he caught it.

'I believe I appreciate the distinction,' said Atlee quietly. 'It is to be
something in which the generosity of the donor is more commemorated than
the merits of the person rewarded, and, consequently, a most appropriate
recognition of the Celt by the Saxon. Do you think I ought to go down to
Kilgobbin Castle, sir?'

'I am not quite sure about that; I'll turn it over in my mind. Meanwhile
I'll telegraph to my lord that, if he approves, I shall send you over to
Wales; and you had better make what arrangements you have to make, to be
ready to start at a moment.'

'Unfortunately, sir, I have none. I am in the full enjoyment of such
complete destitution, that I am always ready to go anywhere.'

Walpole did not notice the words, but arose and walked over to a
writing-table to compose his message for the telegraph.

'There,' said he, as he folded it, 'have the kindness to despatch this at
once, and do not be out of the way about five, or half-past, when I shall
expect an answer.'

'Am I free to go into town meanwhile?' asked Atlee.

Walpole nodded assent without speaking.

'I wonder if this sort of flunkeydom be good for a man,' muttered Atlee to
himself as he sprang down the stairs. 'I begin to doubt it. At all events,
I understand now the secret of the first lieutenant's being a tyrant: he
has once been a middy. And so I say, let me only reach the ward-room, and
Heaven help the cockpit!'

CHAPTER XXV

ATLEE'S EMBARRASSMENTS

When Atlee returned to dress for dinner, he was sent for hurriedly by
Walpole, who told him that Lord Danesbury's answer had arrived with the
order, 'Send him over at once, and write fully at the same time.'

'There is an eleven o'clock packet, Atlee, to-night,' said he: 'you must
manage to start by that. You'll reach Holyhead by four or thereabouts, and
can easily get to the castle by mid-day.'

'I wish I had had a little more time,' muttered the other. 'If I am to
present myself before his Excellency in such a "rig" as this--'

'I have thought of that. We are nearly of the same size and build; you are,
perhaps, a trifle taller, but nothing to signify. Now Buckmaster has
just sent me a mass of things of all sorts from town; they are in my
dressing-room, not yet unpacked. Go up and look at them after dinner: take
what suits you--as much--all, if you like--but don't delay now. It only
wants a few minutes of seven o'clock.'

Atlee muttered his thanks hastily, and