We've positively done nothing since you went, have we, Wallop ?" "No--except read his life in the Newgate Calendar," said Wallop, who had not forgotten his knock down on the day Jack left.
All this Jack, like a sensible man, took quietly, though I could see, or fancied I saw, he winced at the last reference.
He quietly took his old place, and proceeded to resume his work just as if he had never been absent, wholly regardless of the witticisms of his comrades.
"We've drunk his health now and then in his absence, haven't we, Batch, old man ?" said Doubleday again, addressing me.
I did not at all like to be thus drawn into the conversation, but I was forced to answer.

"Yes, now and then." "Let's see, what was the last sentiment--the other night up at Daly's, you know; what was it, Crow ?" "Oh, Doubleday!" cried I, suddenly, in terror at the turn the talk was taking, "would you look at this invoice, please?
Only twelve cases are entered, and I'm certain thirteen were shipped." "Eh, what ?" exclaimed Doubleday, who in business matters was always prompt and serious; "only twelve entered?
how's that?
Why, you young idiot!" said he, taking up the paper; "can't you read what's straight in front of your nose?
`A set of samples, not invoiced, in case Number 13.'" "So it is, to be sure," exclaimed I, who, of course, knew it all along, and had only raised the alarm in order to interrupt Doubleday's awkward talk.

"Thanks." This expedient of mine, disingenuous as it was, was successful.

Before Doubleday could get back to his desk and take up the thread of his conversation where he left it, Mr Merrett entered the office.

He walked straight up to Jack's desk, and said, heartily, "Well, Smith, my man, we're glad to see you back.