hands together behind me. After he had
been bandaged in this manner, he planted
himself on one knee in the middle of the
room, and requested some gentleman to
place the phosphorus on his tongue and
pour the water down his throat. This was
accordingly done, and the water and
phosphorus were swallowed together. He then
opened his mouth and requested the company
to look whether any portion of the
phosphorus remained in his mouth. Several
gentlemen examined his mouth, and
declared that there was no phosphorus
perceptible either upon or under his
tongue. He was then by his own desire
unbandaged. The fire-king forthwith
turned to Mr. Smith and offered him the
other glass of phosphorus. Mr. Smith
started back in infinite alarm--`Not for
worlds, Sir, not for worlds; I beg to
decline it.'

The Fire-king--``Then wherefore did
you send me a challenge? You pledged
your honor to drink it, if I did; I have
done it; and if you are a gentleman, you
must drink it too.''

Mr. Smith--``No, no, I must be excused:
I am quite satisfied without it.''