n to use for shooting rabbits and varmint, and I learned to skin and
stuff 'em. We've got cases and cases at home. I used to wash out the
master's guns, and dry and oil them; and as for lighting fires and
cooking, why, I beg your pardon for laughing, Sir John, but my mother
was ill for years before she died, and I always did all the cooking.
Then I've had a turn at gardening and stable work; and as for the water,
I can row, punt, or sail any small boat. I don't say as I could tackle
a ship, but if there was no one else to do it, I'd have a try; and--beg
pardon, Sir John, there's the front-door bell."

"Go and answer it," said Sir John quietly.

"And if you would think it over, Sir John--"

"Go and answer the bell."

The man darted out, and Sir John turned to his son to gaze at him for a
time.

"You're a pretty good scholar for your age, Jack," he said; "but I wish
you possessed some of Edward's accomplishments."

"Oh, father!" cried the boy hastily.

"But you have more strength in your arm than I thought for. That is
plate glass."

"Doctor Instow," said Edward; and the doctor entered like a breeze.

"Morning!" he cried boisterously.

"Don't go, Edward," said Sir John; and the man stayed by the door,
looking white with excitement.

"I was obliged to run in," said the doctor. "Well, Jack. Why, hulloa!
You've got a bit more colour in your cheeks this morning, and your eyes
are brighter. Come, that's good. You're beginning to take then to the
idea?"

"No," said Jack firmly.

"Stop a moment, doctor," cried Sir John. "Here is some one of a
different opinion. This foolish fellow has been laying before us his
petition."

"Who? Edward?"

"Yes; he wants to go."

"Well," said the doctor; "we shall want a good smart handy man."

Edward's cheeks began to colour again.

"Yes; but what do you think? We want a strong fellow, not a fireside
servant."

"Quite right, but--Here, take off your coat, my man."

Edward's livery coat seemed to fly off, and displayed his white arms
with the shirt-sleeves rolled right above the elbows, spotted a little
with rouge from plate-cleaning.

"Hum! ha!" said the doctor, taking one arm and doubling it up so that
the biceps rose in a big lump. "Hard.--Stand still."

He laid one hand upon the man's chest and thumped it in different
places; laid his ear to it and pressed it close.

"Now breathe.--Again.--Now harder.--Hold your breath."

Then he rose and twisted t