ght as well
lift the upper case down while it was being filled. Which done, the
same process was repeated, only with more apparent regularity, and the
case having been finally tilted up on the frame above the lower case,
the operator turned round with a pleased expression, and said,--

"What do you think of that?"

"Why, I think it's very ridiculous not to put the `capital J' next to
the `capital I,'" said Reginald.

Gedge laughed.

"Go and tell Durfy that; he'd like to hear it."

Reginald, however, denied himself the pleasure of entertaining Mr Durfy
on this occasion, and occupied himself with picking up the types and
inspecting them, and trying to learn the geography of his cases.

"Now," said "Magog," mounting his box, and taking his composing-stick in
his hand, "keep your eye on me, young fellow, and you'll know all about
it."

And he proceeded to "set-up" a paragraph for the newspaper from a
manuscript in front of him at a speed which bewildered Reginald and
baffled any attempt on his part to follow the movements of the
operator's hand among the boxes. He watched for several minutes in
silence until Gedge, considering he had exhibited his agility
sufficiently, halted in his work, and with a passing shade across his
face turned to his companion and said,--

"I say, isn't this a beastly place?"

There was something in his voice and manner which struck Reginald. It
was unlike a common workman, and still more unlike a boy of Gedge's size
and age.

"It is beastly," he said.

"I'm awfully sorry for you, you know," continued Gedge, in a half-
whisper, and going on with his work at the same time, "because I guess
it's not what you're used to."

"I'm not used to it," said Reginald.

"Nor was I when I came. My old screw of an uncle took it into his head
to apprentice me here because he'd been an apprentice once, and didn't
see why I should start higher up the ladder than he did. Are you an
apprentice?"

"No, not that I know of," said Reginald, not knowing exactly what he
was.

"Lucky beggar! I'm booked here for nobody knows how much longer. I'd
have cut it long ago if I could. I say, what's your name?"

"Cruden."

"Well, Cruden, I'm precious glad you've turned up. It'll make all the
difference to me. I was getting as big a cad as any of those fellows
there, for you're bound to be sociable. But you're a nicer sort, and
it's a good job for me, I can tell you."

Apart from the flattery of th