ite of Robin, and Stumps absolutely refused to be comforted!

Next day, however, the tears were dried, and Letta became cheery again
in the prospect of a visit to the Great Eastern.

But Stumps was no better. Indeed he seemed worse, and flatly refused to
accompany them on their trip, although all the world of Bombay was
expected to go.

"Stumps, Stumps,
Down in the dumps!
Down in the dumps so low--O!"

Sang Jim Slagg as he waved his hand in farewell on quitting the hotel.
"Good-bye, my boy, and get your spirits up before we return, if you
can."

"I'll try," replied Stumps with a grim smile.

The event which stirred the city of Bombay to its centre at this time
was indeed a memorable one. The connecting of India with England direct
by a deep-sea cable was a matter of the greatest importance, because the
land telegraph which existed at the time was wretchedly worked, passing,
as it did, through several countries, which involved translation and
re-translation, besides subjecting messages to needless delay on the
part of unbusiness-like peoples. In addition to the brighter prospects
which the proposed cable was opening up, the presence of the largest
ship that had ever yet been constructed was a point of overwhelming
attraction, and so great were the crowds that went on board to see the
marine wonder, that it was found somewhat difficult to carry on the
necessary work of coaling and making preparations for the voyage.

"Robin," said Sam, an they walked along with Letta between them, "I've
just discovered that the agent of the Telegraph Construction and
Maintenance Company is an old friend of mine. He has been busy erecting
a cable landing-house on the shores of Back Bay, so we'll go there first
and get him to accompany us to the big ship."

"Good," said Robin, "if it is not too far for Letta to walk."

The landing-house, which they soon reached, stood near to the "green"
where the Bombay and Baroda Railway tumbled out its stream of cotton
until the region became a very sea of bales. It was a little edifice
with a thatched roof and venetian blinds, commanding a fine view of the
whole of Back Bay, with Malabar Point to the right and the governor's
house imbedded in trees. Long lines of surf marked the position of ugly
rocks which were visible at low water, but among these there was a
pathway of soft sand marked off by stakes, along which the shore-end of
the cable was to lie.

For the reception of the