ABSTRACT
The next day was Derby day. The morning was bright and sunny, and mercurial spirits rose accordingly. The evil imaginings of night were dissipated by brilliant sunlight and anticipations of the pleasures of sport. The tightness in food could not last long. Had not the invincible British navy steamed forth to search out and punish the presumptuous foe? Soon all the daring French, German, and Russian ironclads would be lying at the bottom of the ocean, or safely imprisoned in British harbours; then food would pour into the country, and the crisis would end.
