scruples may some day be removed. I make the most of my wares--every
merchant does the same. I practise upon the folly of mankind--it is on
that, that wise men live."

Timothy gave me a push, and nodded his head for me to give my consent. I
reflected a few seconds, and at last I extended my hand. "I consent,"
replied I, "with the reservation I have made."

"You will not repent," said he; "and I will take your companion, not
that I want him particularly, but I do want you. The fact is, I want a
lad of gentlemanly address, and handsome appearance--with the very
knowledge you possess--and now we will say no more for the present.
By-the-bye, was that real Latin of yours?"

"No," replied I, laughing; "you quoted the grammar, and I replied with
medical prescriptions. One was as good as the other."

"Quite--nay, better; for the school-boys may find me out, but not you.
But now observe, when we come to the next cross road, we must get
down--at least, I expect so; but we shall know in a minute."

In about the time he mentioned, a dark, gipsy-looking man looked into
the wagon, and spoke to our acquaintance in an unknown language. He
replied in the same, and the man disappeared. We continued our route for
about a quarter of an hour, when he got out, asked us to follow him, and
speaking a few words to the fool, which I did not hear, left him and the
boy in the wagon. We paid our fare, took possession of our bundles, and
followed our new companion for a few minutes on the cross road, when he
stopped, and said, "I must now leave you, to prepare for your reception
into our fraternity; continue straight on this road until you arrive at