“It is quite true,” said Upton to himself; “he snores 'like a warrior taking his rest.' What wonderful gifts some fellows are endowed with! and, to enjoy life, there is none of them all like dulness. Can you show me to my room?” said he, as Craggs answered his ring at the bell. The Corporal bowed an assent. “The Colonel usually retires early, I suppose?” said Upton. “Yes, sir; at ten to a minute.” “Ah! it is one--nearly half-past one--now, I perceive,” said he, looking at his watch. “That accounts for his drowsiness,” muttered he, between his teeth. “Curious vegetables are these old campaigners. Wish him good night for me when he awakes, will you?” And so saying, he proceeded on his way, with all that lassitude and exhaustion which it was his custom to throw into every act which demanded the slightest exertion. “Any more stairs to mount, Mr. Craggs?” said he, with a bland but sickly smile. “Yes, sir; two flights more.” “Oh, dear! couldn't you have disposed of me on the lower floor?--I don't care where or how, but something that requires no climbing. It matters little, however, for I'm only here for a day.” “We could fit up a small room, sir, off the library.” “Do so, then. A most humane thought; for if I _should_ remain another night--Not at it yet?” cried he, peevishly, at the aspect of an almost perpendicular stair before him. “This is the last flight, sir; and you'll have a splendid view for your trouble, when you awake in the morning.” “There is no view ever repaid the toil of an ascent, Mr. Craggs, whether it be to an attic or the Righi. Would you kindly tell my servant, Mr. Schöfer, where to find me, and let him fetch the pillows, and put a little rosemary in a glass of water in the room,--it corrects the odor of the night-lamp. And I should like my coffee early,--say at seven, though I don't wish to be disturbed afterwards. Thank you, Mr. Craggs,--good-night. Oh! one thing more. You have a doctor here: would you just mention to him that I should like to see him to-morrow about nine or half-past? Good night, good night.” And with a smile worthy of bestowal upon a court beauty, and a gentle inclination of the head, the very ideal of gracefulness, Sir Horace dismissed Mr. Craggs, and closed the door. CHAPTER IX. A MEDICAL VISIT