you
must not scruple at a slight deficiency on your own part, to regain your
position."

There was so much shrewdness, so much of the wisdom of the serpent in
the remarks of Timothy, that, added to my ardent desire to discover my
father, which since my quitting the gipsy camp had returned upon me with
two-fold force, my scruples were overcome, and I resolved that I would
not lose such an opportunity. Still I hesitated, and went up into my
room, that I might reflect upon what I should do. I went to bed,
revolving the matter in my mind, and turning over from one position to
the other, at one time deciding that I would not take advantage of the
mistake, at another quite as resolved that I would not throw away such
an opening for the prosecution of my search; at last I fell into an
uneasy slumber, and had a strange dream. I thought that I was standing
upon an isolated rock, with the waters raging around me; the tide was
rising, and at last the waves were roaring at my feet. I was in a state
of agony, and expected that, in a short time, I should be swallowed up.
The main land was not far off, and I perceived well-dressed people in
crowds, who were enjoying themselves, feasting, dancing, and laughing
in merry peals. I held out my hands--I shouted to them--they saw, and
heard me, but heeded me not. My horror at being swept away by the tide
was dreadful. I shrieked as the water rose. At last I perceived
something unroll itself from the main land, and gradually advancing to
the inland, form a bridge by which I could walk over and be saved. I was
about to hasten over, when "Private, and no thoroughfare," appeared at
the end nearest me, in large letters of fire. I started back with
amazement, and would not, dared not pass them. When all of a sudden, a
figure in white appeared by my side, and said to me, pointing to the
bridge, "Self-preservation is the first law of nature."

I looked at the person who addressed me; gradually the figure became
darker and darker, until it changed to Mr Cophagus, with his stick up to
his nose. "Japhet, all nonsense--very good bridge--um--walk over--find
father--and so on." I dashed over the bridge, which appeared to float on
the water, and to be composed of paper, gained the other side, and was
received with shouts of congratulation, and the embraces of the crowd. I
perceived an elderly gentleman come forward; I knew it was my father,
and I threw myself into his arms. I awoke, and found myself roll