CHAP. xv. EDWARD'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 305 



already been appointed keeper of the Scientific Society's 

 museum at Banff, at a salary of 2 : 2s. per annum. This 

 was of course merely a nominal remuneration, and 

 the occupation did not tend to feed Edward's thirst 

 for further knowledge in Natural History. He was 

 therefore most willing to accede to Mr. Bate's pro- 

 position ; and he sent in his application, accompanied 

 by testimonials, to Professor Quekett of the Eoyal 

 College of Surgeons. 



Unfortunately Mr. Bate had been misinformed as 

 to the nature of the proposed appointment. " I am 

 fearful," said Professor Quekett, in his letter to 

 Edward, " that some of your kind friends have mis- 

 informed you as to the nature of the appointment 

 which is vacant. It is only that of fourth museum 

 porter. The duties are : to keep the room clean, dust 

 bottles, etc., at the wage of a guinea a week. Now, 

 from what I learn of you through your testimonials, 

 and from what I have heard of your reputation 

 and high standing as a Naturalist, I think such an 

 appointment is far beneath your notice." 



Edward's hopes were once more blighted. Science 

 could do nothing for him, and he returned once more 

 to his cobbler's stool. He had become accustomed to 

 disappointment ; nevertheless he continued to pursue 

 his work as a Naturalist. In fact, he went on work- 

 ing harder than before. As Mr. Bate was only engaged 

 with one branch of the Crustacea the Sessile-eyed, 

 and as other Naturalists were engaged in investigating 



x 



