Page:Headlong Hall - Peacock (1816).djvu/128

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120
HEADLONG HALL.

of rock had indeed emancipated the spirit of the craniologist from its terrestrial vinculum.

Mr. Escot had considerably outstripped his companions, and arrived at the scene of the disaster, just as Mr. Cranium, being utterly destitute of natatorial skill, was in imminent danger of final submersion. The deteriorationist, who had cultivated this valuable art with great success, immediately plunged in to his assistance, and brought him alive and in safety to a shelving part of the shore. Their landing was hailed with a view-holla from the delighted Squire, who, shaking them both heartily by the hand, and making ten thousand lame apologies to Mr. Cranium, concluded by asking, in a pathetic tone, How much water he had swallowed? and without waiting for his answer, filled a large tumbler with Madeira, and insisted on his tossing it off, which was no sooner said than done. Mr.