"So much for that, then, Mr. Norcot. You'll send to us from your mills at Chagford such quantities of flocks as Government shall determine for the new mattresses."
"Exactly. I'm always gratified to oblige the Government."
"We can make them here—the mattresses, I mean. We have a little world of skilled artificers within our walls. You see, Holland is in league with Napoleon, and many of our captives taken out of Dutch vessels are Eurasians, Malays and Chinese from the service of the Dutch East India Company. The world has sent us representatives of every civilised race, and among them are craftsmen from each trade that man practises."
Peter Norcot nodded.
"'All sorts and conditions of men.' Do you recollect what Shenstone says?
"'Let the gull'd fool the toils of war pursue,
Where bleed the many to enrich the few.'
You shall have your flocks and a good article. Since my lamented senior partner's death I have been busy in certain directions. Uncle Norman Norcot was a conscientious and a conservative soul, and he regarded the new labour-saving contrivances with the utmost suspicion. How he hated 'em! But amongst such things there is a remarkable new flock-cutter. These matters, however, will not interest you."
The Captain emptied his glass and rose.
"I'll take your word for all that. Now come along. You desire a glimpse of our caged beasts and the Prison?"
"Even so—delighted to exchange my flocks for your herds."