and enjoyed everything, forgetting his cares for the time
being, as he listened in astonishment to the way in which his cold,
grave uncle could brighten up, and keep the whole table interested by
his conversation relating to discoveries in the world of science,
especially in connection with light, and researches in what he spoke of
as "The Vast Abyss."

Then came tea in the drawing-room, and on the part of the two boys an
early movement in the direction of bed.

Tom was on his guard as soon as they were alone, fully expecting that
his cousin would in some way renew hostilities, the more especially as
neither Mr nor Mrs Brandon had had an opportunity of speaking to them
with warning or appeal.

But Sam did not even look at him, undressing himself in sulky silence,
throwing his clothes here and there, and plunging into bed and turning
his face to the wall as he began to make his plans respecting a campaign
he intended to carry out for the destruction of his cousin's peace,
without running risks of getting himself injured as he had been that
night.

"For," said Sam to himself, "everything seems to be against me. I only
forgot that letter, and instead of helping a fellow out of a hole that
beastly young sneak betrayed me. Then when I meant to pay him out, all
the luck was on his side; and lastly, old moony Uncle Dick must turn
upon me about that money affair. But wait a bit, I'll pay him back, and
then he may tell the guv'nor if he likes. What did he say when I went
and told him what a hole I was in over that account, and was afraid the
guv'nor would know;--that it was embezzlement, and a criminal offence,
and that if I had done such a thing for a regular employer, I might have
found myself in the felon's dock? Rubbish! I only borrowed the money
for a few weeks, and meant to pay it back. He shall have it again; and
let him tell the old man if he dares. A coward, to throw that in my
teeth! Wonder if they'll ask him what he meant. But all right, Master
Tom Blount, you shall pay for this."

Meantime the object of his threatenings had undressed in silence too,
extinguished the light, remembered by his bedside the old mother-taught
lesson, and added a prayer for pardon in regard for that which he had
made up his mind to do. Then, as his head pressed the pillow, he lay
thinking of all that had taken place since he had been at his uncle's,
and came finally to the conclusion that he could bear no more.

"I can't h