Before going to bed that night I did not throw myself into an

easy-chair and gaze musingly out into the night. On the contrary, I

stood up sturdily with my back to the mantel-piece, and with the

forefinger of my right hand I tapped my left palm.

"Now, then," said I to myself, "as soon as my bicycle is put into

working order I shall imitate travellers in hot countries--I shall

ride all night, and I shall rest all day. There are too many young

women in Cathay. They turn up one after another with the regularity of

a continuous performance. No sooner is the curtain rung down on one

act than it is rung up on another. Perhaps after a while I may get out

of Cathay, and then again I may ride by day."

In taking my things from my valise, I pulled out the little box which

the doctor's daughter had given me, but I did not open it. "No,"

said I, "there is no need whatever that I should take a capsule

to-night."

After breakfast the next day Mr. Larramie came to me. "Do you know,"

said he, "I feel ashamed on account of the plans I made for you."

I did not know, for I could see no earthly reason for such feeling.

"I arranged," said he, "to send to the Holly Sprig for your machine,

and then to have you and it driven over to Waterton. Now this I

consider brutish. My wife told me that it was, and I agree with her

perfectly. It will take several days to repair that injured

wheel--Walter tells me you cannot expect it in less than three

days--and what will you do in Waterton all that time? It isn't a

pretty country, the hotels are barely good enough for a night's stop,

and there isn't anything for you to do. Even if you hired a wheel you

would find it stupid exploring that country. Now, sir, that plan is

brushed entirely out of sight. Your bicycle shall be sent on, and when

you hear that it is repaired and ready for use, you can go on yourself

if you wish to."

"My dear sir," I exclaimed, "this is entirely too much!"

He put his hands upon my shoulders and looked me squarely in the

face. "Too much!" said he, "too much! That may be your opinion, but I

can tell you you have the whole of the rest of the world against you.

That is, you would have if they all knew the circumstances. Now you

are only one, and if you want to know how many people are opposed to

you, I have no doubt Percy can tell you, but I am not very well posted

in regard to the present population of the world."




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