this explanation; but his mirth was speedily checked by a look

from Mr. Limbkins. The board then procedded to converse among

themselves for a few minutes, but in so low a tone, that the

words 'saving of expenditure,' 'looked well in the accounts,'

'have a printed report published,' were alone audible. These

only chanced to be heard, indeed, or account of their being very

frequently repeated with great emphasis.

At length the whispering ceased; and the members of the board,