Emperor Julian, who re-established the oath of fire abolished by
Constantine the Apostate, Merlin the enchanter, child of a Sylph and
a nun daughter of Charlemagne; Saint Thomas Aquinas, Paracelsus and,
but recently, M. Van Helmont."

I promised M. d'Asterac, as such were the facts, that I would be
willing to lend myself to the friendship of a Salamander, if one
were to be found obliging enough to wish for me. He assured me that
I should meet not one but a score or more, between whom I should
have my free choice. And less by longing for the adventure than to
give him pleasure, I asked the philosopher how it is possible to
enter into communication with these aerial persons.

"Nothing easier," he replied. "All that's wanted is a glass ball,
the use of which I'll explain to you. I have always at home a pretty
good number of such balls, and in my study I'll very soon give you
all necessary enlightenment. But, for to-day, my son, enough is said
of it."

He rose, and walked in the direction of the ferry, where the
ferryman waited for us, lying outstretched on his back and snoring
at the moon. As soon as we had reached the opposite shore he quickly
went on, and was soon lost in the darkness.




CHAPTER XIV

Visit to Mademoiselle Catherine--The Row in the Street and my