Then followed the explanation, with all its disheartening results. Of course it would be impossible for the Major to accompany them to the Exhibition shorn of half his leg, while to get it mended in sufficient time was an equal impossibility. Though Jobby hinted that the glue-pot was on the fire below, the Major felt in no way inclined to trust the maintenance of his perpendicular to so weak a foundation; nor did the several parts admit of being spliced, seeing that the limb would be reduced several inches by the operation; and as there was no such thing as borrowing a wooden leg at a moment’s notice in a neighbourhood that was some miles distant from either Chelsea or Greenwich Hospital, why it was evident that the Major must remain at home until such time as he could get his injuries repaired; for to proceed without him was more than Mr. Sandboys would consent to do. Accordingly, amid much disappointment and sorrow, the family of the Sandboys _once_ more made up their minds to abandon all hope of seeing the interior of the Crystal Palace, and to return to their native mountains at the earliest possible opportunity. It was quite evident, Mr.Sandboys again repeated, that Fate had set her face against their ever enjoying the treat, and, for his part, he was not going to thrust his head any longer against the wall that Destiny had run up between them and the building. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXIV. “Waes me! what’s this that lugs sae at my heart, And fills my breast with seck a dispert smart? Can’t be that thing cawt luive? Good folks now tell, And I’se set down just how I find mysel. “I used to sing my sang, and crack my joke, And shake my sides at murth like other folk, But I’se sare chang’d frae what I used to be; Luik i’ my feace, and you may fairly see.” _The Costard’s Complaint, by Ewan Clark._ IT was a profound remark of Mrs. Coddle—and women, however humble, read characters very quickly, especially when their own interests are concerned—that there was no telling what ever had come to her Major since them Sandboys had got back to the place. She only knew he hadn’t been “all there” for the last ten days.