was so, was it not likely that the former fault had been caused in a similar manner, and that it was not the result of accident? Then, again, it was curious that the former fault occurred when the same gang of men were at work in the tank. It was known there were enemies to the manufacturers of the Cable; whispers went about that one of the cablemen had expressed gratification when the first fault occurred. It was a very solicitous moment, and Mr. Canning felt a great responsibility. He could not tell who was guilty, and in trying to punish them or him he might disgust the good men on whom so much depended. He at once accepted an offer made by the gentlemen on board the ship to take turn about in doing duty in the tank and superintending the men engaged in paying-out the Cable. Then he caused the cablemen to be summoned at the bows, and showed them the coil and the wire. After they had examined it curiously, he asked the men what they thought of the injury, and they one and all, without hesitation, expressed their opinion that it must have been done on purpose by some one in the tanks. Lynch law was talked of, and if the man could have been pounced upon, and left to the mercy of his fellows, he would have fared ill that day. Nor was the feeling of anger and indignation diminished by the knowledge that the punishment awarded by law for offences of such a character was a paltry fine and short imprisonment. The men who were engaged in the tank at the time of the occurrence were transferred to other duties, and the volunteer inspectors established a roster, and began their course of duty--one going on for two hours at a time, and being relieved in order, so that night and day the men engaged in paying-out the Cable were under the eyes of very vigilant watchmen. It was a painful thing to have to do, but the men admitted it was not only justifiable but necessary, and declared they were very glad the measure was adopted. It was fondly hoped that this surveillance would save us from a recurrence of the delay to which the expedition had been subjected, and ulterior steps were postponed till the shore was reached, when it was intended to institute a rigid inquiry. At noon our position was, Lat. 52° 9´ 20´´, Long. 31° 53´. Length of Cable payed-out since yesterday 134 miles: total length paid out, 903 miles. Distance, from Valentia, 793 miles; from Heart’s Content, 871·9 miles. We had crossed the centre of the arc of the great circle. [Illustration: From a drawing by R. Dudley London, Day & Sons, Limited, Lith. SEARCHING FOR FAULT AFTER RECOVERY OF THE CABLE FROM THE BED OF THE ATLANTIC. JULY 31st.] [Illustration: From a drawing by R. Dudley London, Day & Sons, Limited, Lith. IN THE BOWS AUGUST 2nd. THE CABLE BROKEN AND LOST PREPARING TO GRAPPLE.]