nt
candour, but his habitual deceit was such, that whether he told the
truth or not was impossible to be ascertained by his countenance.

When the gathering dispersed we packed up, and located ourselves about
two miles from the common, on the borders of a forest of oak and ash.
Our food was chiefly game, for we had some excellent poachers among us;
and as for fish, it appeared to be at their command; there was not a
pond or a pit but they could tell in a moment if it were tenanted, and
if tenanted, in half an hour every fish would be floating on the top of
the water, by the throwing in of some intoxicating sort of berry; other
articles of food occasionally were found in the caldron; indeed, it was
impossible to fare better than we did, or at less expense.

Our tents were generally pitched not far from a pool of water, and to
avoid any unpleasant search, which sometimes would take place,
everything liable to detection was sunk under the water until it was
required for cooking; once in the pot, it was considered as safe. But
with the foraging, Timothy and I had nothing to do; we participated in
the eating, without asking any questions as to how it was procured.

My time was chiefly spent in company with Melchior, who initiated me
into all the mysteries of cups and balls--juggling of every
description--feats with cards, and made me acquainted with all his
apparatus for prepared tricks. For hours and hours was I employed by
his directions in what is called "making the pass" with a pack of cards,
as almost all tricks on cards depend upon your dexterity in this
manoeuvre. In about a month I was considered as a very fair adept; in
the mean time, Timothy had to undergo his career of gymnastics, and was
to be seen all day tumbling and re-tumbling, until he could tumble on
his feet again. Light and active, he soon became a very dexterous
performer, and could throw a somerset either backwards or forwards, walk
on his hands, eat fire, pull out ribands, and do fifty other tricks to
amuse a gaping audience. Jumbo also was worked hard, to bring down his
fat, and never was allowed his dinner until he had given satisfaction to
Melchior. Even little Fleta had to practise occasionally, as we were
preparing for an expedition. Melchior, who appeared determined to
create an effect, left us for three days, and returned with not only
dresses for Timothy and me, but also new dresses for the rest of the
company and shortly afterwards, b