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science, and a justice of the peace. He rarely took his walks abroad,
preferring the solitude of his library, and the occasional company of
some old comrade with whom to talk over old times, and unburden his mind
of the scientific problems which encumbered it. On the present occasion
he had lit upon a congenial spirit in worthy Dr Prudhom, and the two
spent a very snug evening together over the dessert, raking up memories
of the good old days when they lived on the same staircase at Brasenose;
and plunging deep into abstruse questions of natural and physical
science which even the sherry could not prevent from being dry.

The professor's present craze was what is commonly termed ethnology.
Anything connected with the history and vicissitudes of the primitive
races of mankind excited his enthusiasm, and he was never tired of
inquiring into the languages, the manners, the customs, the dress, the
ceremonies, and the movements generally of various branches of the human
family, of whom the most obscure were sure to be in his eyes the most
interesting.

It was only natural, therefore, that when Dr Prudhom made some casual
reference to the recent incursion of gipsies, his host should seize the
occasion to expatiate on the history of that extraordinary race; tracing
them from the Egyptians downwards, and waxing eloquent on their tribal
instincts, which no civilisation or even persecution could eradicate or
domesticate.

"Fact is," said he, with a chuckle, "they had me to thank that they were
allowed here so long. Police came to me end of first week and said they
were a nuisance. I told the police when I wanted their opinion I'd ask
it. End of second week police came again and said all the farmyards
round had been robbed. I said I must inquire into it. He! he! All the
time I was making glorious observations, my boy; a note-book full, I
declare. End of third week inspector of police came and said he should
have to apply at head-quarters for instructions if I wouldn't give them.
Not a place was secure as long as the vagabonds stayed. Had to cave in
then, and issue a warrant or so and get rid of them. Sorry for it.
Much to learn ye: about them, and the few specimens brought before me
weren't good ones. Young gipsies, you know, Prudhom, aren't up to the
mark. You only get the true aboriginal ring about the old people. Yes,
I'm afraid they're breaking up, you know. Sorry for it."

Dr Prudhom concurred, and mentio