“I venture to think, Mr. Mordacks, on the whole,” said the rector, who studied this man gently, “that sometimes you are rapid in your conclusions. Possibly of the two extremes it is the more desirable; especially in these parts, because of its great rarity. Still the mere fact of some caves existing, in or out of my parish, whichever it may be, scarcely seems to prove that all the people of Flamborough live in them. And even if we did, it was the manner of the ancient seers, both in the Classics, and in Holy Writ--” “Sir, I know all about Elijah and Obadiah, and the rest of them. Profane literature we leave now for clerks in holy orders--we positively have no time for it. Everything begins to move with accelerated pace. This is a new century, and it means to make its mark. It begins very badly; but it will go on all the better. And I hope to have the pleasure, at a very early day, of showing you one of its leading men, a man of large intellect, commanding character, the most magnificent principles--and, in short, lots of money. You must be quite familiar with the name of Sir Duncan Yordas.” “I fancy that I have heard or seen it somewhere. Oh, something to do with the Hindoos, or the Africans. I never pay much attention to such things.” “Neither do I, Dr. Upround. Still somebody must, and a lot of money comes of it. Their idols have diamond eyes, which purity of worship compels us to confiscate. And there are many other ways of getting on among them, while wafting and expanding them into a higher sphere of thought. The mere fact of Sir Duncan having feathered his nest--pardon so vulgar an expression, doctor--proves that while giving, we may also receive: for which we have the highest warranty.” “The laborer is worthy of his hire, Mr. Mordacks. At the same time we should remember also--” “What St. Paul says per contra. Quite so. That is always my first consideration, when I work for my employers. Ah, Dr. Upround, few men give such pure service as your humble servant. I have twice had the honor of handing you my card. If ever you fall into any difficulty, where zeal, fidelity, and high principle, combined with very low charges--” “Mr. Mordacks, my opinion of you is too high for even yourself to add to it. But what has this Sir Duncan Yorick--” “Yordas, my dear sir--Sir Duncan Yordas--the oldest family in Yorkshire. Men of great power, both for good and evil, mainly, perhaps, the latter. It has struck me sometimes that the county takes its name--But etymology is not my forte. What has he to do with us, you ask? Sir, I will answer you most frankly. 'Coram populo' is my business motto. Excuse me, I think I hear that door creak. No, a mere fancy--we are quite 'in camera.' Very well; reverend sir, prepare your mind for a highly astounding disclosure.” “I have lived too long to be astounded, my good sir. But allow me to put on my spectacles. Now I am prepared for almost anything.”