"And if you would think it over, Sir John--" "Go and answer the bell." The man darted out, and Sir John turned to his son to gaze at him for a time. "You're a pretty good scholar for your age, Jack," he said; "but I wish you possessed some of Edward's accomplishments." "Oh, father!" cried the boy hastily. "But you have more strength in your arm than I thought for. That is plate glass." "Doctor Instow," said Edward; and the doctor entered like a breeze. "Morning!" he cried boisterously. "Don't go, Edward," said Sir John; and the man stayed by the door, looking white with excitement. "I was obliged to run in," said the doctor. "Well, Jack. Why, hulloa! You've got a bit more colour in your cheeks this morning, and your eyes are brighter. Come, that's good. You're beginning to take then to the idea?" "No," said Jack firmly. "Stop a moment, doctor," cried Sir John. "Here is some one of a different opinion. This foolish fellow has been laying before us his petition." "Who? Edward?" "Yes; he wants to go." "Well," said the doctor; "we shall want a good smart handy man." Edward's cheeks began to colour again. "Yes; but what do you think? We want a strong fellow, not a fireside servant." "Quite right, but--Here, take off your coat, my man." Edward's livery coat seemed to fly off, and displayed his white arms with the shirt-sleeves rolled right above the elbows, spotted a little with rouge from plate-cleaning. "Hum! ha!" said the doctor, taking one arm and doubling it up so that the biceps rose in a big lump. "Hard.--Stand still." He laid one hand upon the man's chest and thumped it in different places; laid his ear to it and pressed it close. "Now breathe.--Again.--Now harder.--Hold your breath." Then he rose and twisted the man round, and listened at his back between the shoulder-blades before making him open his mouth, and ended by looking into his eyes, while the father and son watched him. "Ha! that will do," said the doctor dryly. "Sleep well, I suppose?" "Oh yes, sir." "And you can eat and drink well?" The man's face expanded in a broad smile. "Goes without saying. There, put on your coat." Edward began to put it on. "Sound as a bell," said the doctor. "Strong as a horse." "Yes, but we want something besides a healthy man." "Of course: a good handy, willing fellow, who would not want to come home as soon as he had to rough it and do everything." "There ain't anything I wouldn't do, gentlemen," cried Edward. "If you take me, Sir John, I'll serve you faithful, and you shan't repent it. May I tell the doctor, Sir John, what I can do?" "There is no need. He boasts, Instow." "Beg pardon, Sir John, it ain't boasting, it's honest truth."