"Now what," said Mrs. Trapes, refolding the circular very reverently and
shutting it into the testament, "jest what d'ye think o' that?"

"Quite a--er--remarkable document, Mrs. Trapes!"

"Remarkable?" snorted Mrs. Trapes.

"Yes," said Ravenslee, beginning to fill his pipe, "extraordinary, most
extraordinary--er--very much so--"

"Extraordinary? Mr. Geoffrey, is that all you got t' say about it?" And
Mrs. Trapes sniffed loudly.

"Well, what more should I say?"

"Why, ain't it th' wonder o' th' whole round world? Ain't it th'
merrycle of all time?"

"Certainly! Not a doubt of it!" he agreed. "By the way, what do you
happen to have for supper? You see I've been--"

"Supper?"

"I'm quite hungry--I'm always hungry lately and--"

"Hungry!" ejaculated Mrs. Trapes, rolling her eyes, "here I tell him
of wonders an' omens beyond pore huming understanding an'--he's hungry!
Lord, ain't that jest like a man! A man's soul, if a man has a soul,
lays in his stummick. Hungry! But you shall be fed--prompt, Mr.