"Ponderby, will you kindly bring me a pad and a fountain-pen?"

This was done, and his lordship scrawled a few lines.

"There, Mr. Brassard," he said, handing the document to the man, who again was mopping his brow, "this will smooth away all difficulties. Please do not thank me. You cannot tell what pleasure it gives me to render a service that I make no charge for. Good-morning, Mr. Brassard."