g my art, I give away to the poor, having no occasion
for it." This I did, and we then sat down to supper, and having
unpacked our baggage, went to bed, after locking the door of the room,
and taking out the key.

The next morning we had everything in readiness, and as the letters, as
the reader may suppose, did not arrive by the post, we were obliged to
remain, and the landlord ventured to hint to me, that several people
were anxious to consult my master. I replied, that I would speak to
him, but it was necessary to caution those who came, that they must
either offer gold--or nothing at all. I brought his consent to see one
or two, but no more. Now, although we had various apparatus to use,
when required, it was thought that the effect would be greater, if, in
the first instance, everything was simple. Melchior, therefore,
remained sitting at the table, which was covered with a black cloth,
worked with curious devices, and a book of hieroglyphics before him, and
an ivory wand, tipped with gold lying by the book. Timothy standing at
the door, with a short Roman sword buckled round his belt, and I, in a
respectful attitude, behind the Great Aristodemus.

The first person who was admitted was the lady of the mayor of the town;
nothing could be more fortunate, as we had every information relative to
her and her spouse, for people in high places are always talked of.
Aristodemus waved his hand, and I brought forward a chair in silence,
and motioned that she should be seated. Aristodemus looked her in her
face, and then turned over several leaves, until he fixed upon a page,
which he considered attentively. "Mayoress of--, what wouldst thou with
me?"

She started, and turned pale. "I would ask--"

"I know; thou wouldst ask many things, perhaps, had I time to listen.
Amongst others thou wouldst ask if there is any chance of thy giving an
heir to thy husband. Is it not so?"

"Yes, it is," replied the lady, fetching her breath.

"So do I perceive by this book; but let me put one question to thee.
Wouldst thou have blessings showered on thee, yet do no good? Thou art
wealthy--yet what dost thou and thy husband do with these riches? Are
ye liberal? No. Give, and it shall be given. I have said."

Aristodemus waved his hand, and the lady rose to withdraw. A guinea was
in her fingers, and her purse in her hand; she took out four more, and
added them to the other, and laid them on the table.

"'Tis well, lady