lower than a quack ointment. It is the same little devil that makes a young
wife ask her devoted husband which of the two he would save if she and his
mother were drowning. It is the little devil that is responsible for
infinite mendacity on the part of men. "Have you ever said that to another
woman?" No; of course he hasn't; and the wretch is instantly, perjured.
"Would you sell your soul for me?" "My immortal soul," says the good
fellow, instantaneously converted into an atrocious liar; and the little
devil coos with satisfaction and curls himself up snugly to sleep.

But on this occasion the little devil had no success.

"I would give up my faith in the Cure for nothing in the wide world," said
Sypher gravely.

"I'm very glad to hear it," said Zora, in her frankest tone. But the
little devil asked her whether she was quite sure; whereupon she hit him
smartly over the head and bade him lie down. Her respect, however, for
Sypher increased.

They were joined by Emmy and Septimus.

"I think I could manage it," said the latter, "if I cut a hole a foot
square in the board and fixed a magazine behind it."

"There will be no necessity," returned Sypher. "Mrs. Middlemist has ordered
its immediate removal."

That was the end of the board episode. The next day he had it taken down
and chopped into fire-wood, a cart-load of which he sent with his humble
compliments to Mrs. Middlemist. Zora called it a burnt offering. She found