the island, such as skins, stuffed birds,
and weapons of the chase, labelled 'Shot by Lord Loam,' 'Hon. Ernest
Woolley's Blowpipe' etc. There are also two large glass cases containing
other odds and ends, including, curiously enough, the bucket in which
Ernest was first dipped, but there is no label calling attention to the
incident. It is not yet time to dress for dinner, and his lordship is on
a couch, hastily yet furtively cutting the pages of a new book. With him
are his two younger daughters and his nephew, and they also are engaged
in literary pursuits; that is to say, the ladies are eagerly but
furtively reading the evening papers, of which Ernest is sitting
complacently but furtively on an endless number, and doling them out as
called for. Note the frequent use of the word 'furtive.' It implies
that they do not wish to be discovered by their butler, say, at their
otherwise delightful task.

AGATHA (reading aloud, with emphasis on the wrong words'). 'In
conclusion, we most heartily congratulate the Hon. Ernest Woolley.
This book of his, regarding the adventures of himself and his brave
companions on a desert isle, stirs the heart like a trumpet.'

(Evidently the book referred to is the one in LORD LOAM'S hands.)

ERNEST (handing her a pink paper). Here is another.

CATHERINE (reading). 'From the first to the last of Mr. Woolley's
engrossing pages it is evident that he was an ideal man to be wrecked
with, and a true hero.' (Large-eyed.) Ernest!

ERNEST (calmly). That's how it strikes them, you know. Here's another
one.

AGATHA (reading). 'There are many kindly references to the two servants
who were wrecked with the family, and Mr. Woolley pays the butler a
glowing tribute in a footnote.'

(Some one coughs uncomfortably.)

LORD LOAM (who has been searching the index for the letter L).
Excellent, excellent. At the same time I must say, Ernest, that the
whole book is about yourself.

ERNEST (genially). As the author--

LORD LOAM. Certainly, certainly. Still, you know, as a peer of the
realm--(with dignity)--I think, Ernest, you might have given me one of
your adventures.

ERNEST. I say it was you who taught us how to obtain a fire by rubbing
two pieces of stick together.

LORD LOAM (beaming). Do you, do you? I call that very handsome. What
page?

(Here the door opens, and the well-bred CRICHTON enters with the evening
papers as subscribed for by the house. Those we have already seen have
perhaps be