that you should avail yourself of every means, presented either by
cunning or force, to promote your own interests. That your
principles also should be of the strictest sort, and your intentions
of the most honourable description,--these are fancies with which I
have nothing to do; I do not pretend to such strictness myself.
Each of us is free, I to act, and you to think, as seems best. Did
I ever seize you by the throat, to tear out of your body that
valuable soul I so ardently wish to possess? Did I ever set my
servant to attack you, to get back my purse, or attempt to run off
with it from you?"

I had not a word to reply.

"Well, well," he exclaimed, "you detest me, and I know it; but I
bear you no malice on that account. We must part--that is clear;
also I must say that you begin to be very tiresome to me. Once more
let me advise you to free yourself entirely from my troublesome
presence by the purchase of your shadow."

I held out the purse to him.

"No, Mr. Schlemihl; not at that price."

With a deep sigh, I said, "Be it so, then; let us part, I entreat;
cross my path no more. There is surely room enough in the world for
us both."

Laughing, he replied, "I go; but just allow me to inform you how you
may at any time recall me whenever you have a mind to see your most
humble servant: you have only to shake your purse, the sound of the