For hour after hour, the work of “picking-up” went on. The term is objectionable; it rather indicates a brisk, lively process--a bird picks up a worm--a lady picks up a pin--a sharper picks up a flat--but the machine working at the bows of the Great Eastern assuredly was not in any one way engaged in brisk or lively work. Most doggedly at times did the Cable yield. As if it knew its home was deep in the bed of the Atlantic, and that its insulation and all the objects of its existence would be gained and bettered by remaining there, it strained against the power which sought to pull it forth; and the dynamometer showed that the resistance of the rigid cord was equivalent to 2½ tons. At times, again, it came up merely with coy reluctance, and again became sullen as though it were already troubled by the whims of two worlds and partook of their fancies. No trace was visible of its having touched the bottom for the 2½ miles which were hauled in, but the men observed signs of animal life on it, and certain creatures which they called “worms” were detached and fell on deck, a specimen of which I sought for in vain. As the Cable was hauled in, the men who coiled it aft, and guided it through the machinery, felt it carefully with their hands to detect any “fault” or injured part, and the line of large ship’s lanterns hung up along the deck showed how carefully they did their work. It was 5·40 p.m., Greenwich time, or about 3·40 p.m., ship’s time, when the end of the Cable came in board; but it was not till six hours and ten minutes had elapsed (9·50 p.m., ship’s time) that the part of the Cable where the mischief lay was picked up. The defective portion was found at the very part of the Cable which was going over the stern when the ocean galvanometer indicated “dead earth.” It was at once cut out, and reserved to be examined by Mr. Canning. The necessary steps were next taken to test the rest of the Cable. The shore end was spliced and jointed to a fresh end of the Cable from the after tank. These operations were finished before midnight; but it was not judged expedient to resume the process of paying-out till the morning. As yet no one knew the nature of the injury to the Cable. No one could account for the hitch; but it certainly did not affect any one’s belief in success. Mr. Field, to whom such accidents are never discouraging, remarked pleasantly during the crisis of picking-up, “I have often known Cables to stop working for two hours, no one knew why, and then begin again. Most likely it’s some mistake on shore.” What can discourage a believer? It was even comfort to him to remember that this very day eight years ago, a splice was made in the first Atlantic Cable, very much in the same place. But to all it had been a most trying day. And when night came, and some retired to the rest they had won so well, there, constant on the paddle-box, stood Captain Anderson, watching the course and conduct of his ship.