“All right; we want you,” said the other, still writing; “wait an instant.” So saying, he wrote on for several minutes at a rapid pace, muttering the words as his pen traced them; at last he finished, and, descending from his high seat, passed across the room, opened a door, which led into another room, and called out,-- “The messenger come, sir!” “Who is he?” shouted a very harsh voice. “First for Madrid, sir,” said the youth, examining a slip of paper he had just taken from his pocket. “His name?” shouted out the other again. “Poynder, sir.” “I beg your pardon,” suggested Tony, mildly. “I'm Butler, not Poynder.” “Who's talking out there,--what's that uproar?” screamed the voice, very angrily. “He says he 's not for Madrid, sir. It's a mistake,” cried the youth. “No; you misunderstand me,” whispered Tony. “I only said I was not Poynder.” “He says he 's in Poynder's place.” “I'll stop this system of substitutes!” cried the voice. “Send him in here.” “Go in there,” said the youth, with a gesture of his thumb, and his face at the same time wore an expression which said as plain as any words could have spoken, “And you 'll see how you like it.” As Tony entered, he found himself standing face to face to the awful official, Mr. Brand, the same who had reported to the Minister his intended assault upon Willis, the porter. “Aw! what's all this about?” said Mr. Brand, pompously. “You are Mr.--Mr.--” “Mr. Butler,” said Tony, quietly, but with an air of determination. “And instead of reporting yourself, you come here to say that you have exchanged with Poynder.” “I never heard of Poynder till three minutes ago.” “You want, however, to take his journey, sir. You call yourself first for Madrid?” “I do nothing of the kind. I have come here because I got a telegram two days ago. I know nothing of Poynder, and just as little about Madrid.” “Oh--aw! you're Butler! I remember all about you now; there is such a swarm of extras appointed, that it's impossible to remember names or faces. You 're the young gentleman who--who--yes, yes, I remember it all; but have you passed the civil-service examiners?” “No; I was preparing for the examination when I received that message, and came off 'at once.” “Well, you 'll present yourself at Burlington House. Mr. Blount will make out the order for you; you can go up the latter end of this week, and we shall want you immediately.” “But I am not ready. I was reading for this examination when your telegram came, and I set off at the instant.” “Blount, Mr. Blount!” screamed out the other, angrily; and as the affrighted youth presented himself, all pale and trembling, he went on: “What's the meaning of this, sir? You first attempt to pass this person off for Poynder: and when that scheme fails, you endeavor to slip him into the service without warrant or qualification. He tells me himself he knows nothing.” “Very little, certainly, but I don't remember telling you so,” said Tony.