Now began a movement of the gorgeous particles of that official group which

Was slow, scarcely perceptible, and yet steady and persistent — a movement

Such as is observed in a kaleidoscope that is turned slowly, whereby the

Components of one splendid cluster fall away and join themselves to another

— a movement which, little by little, in the present case, dissolved the

Glittering crowd that stood about Tom Canty and clustered it together again

In the neighborhood of the new-comer. Tom Canty stood almost alone. Now

Ensued a brief season of deep suspense and waiting — during which even the

Few faint-hearts still remaining near Tom Canty gradually scraped together

Courage enough to glide, one by one, over to the majority. So at last Tom

Canty, in his royal robes and jewels, stood wholly alone and isolated from the

World, a conspicuous figure, occupying an eloquent vacancy.

Now the Lord St. John was seen returning. As he advanced up the mid-aisle

The interest was so intense that the low murmur of conversation in the great

Assemblage died out and was succeeded by a profound hush, a breathless

Stillness, through which his footfalls pulsed with a dull and distant sound.

Every eye was fastened upon him as he moved along. He reached the

Platform, paused a moment, then moved toward Tom Canty with a deep

obeisance, and said:

'Sire, the Seal is not there!'