pine-apples and some rare wine, and gave him a perpetual ticket to his
picture-gallery. When his attendants had concluded their calculation,
he ordered them to place Popanilla's precious metal in his treasury; and
then, presenting the Captain with a small packet of pink shells, he
kindly inquired whether he could be of any further use to him.
Popanilla was loth to retire without his gold, of the utility of which,
in spite of the convenience of competition, he seemed to possess an
instinctive conception; but as his friend rose and withdrew, he could do
nothing less than accompany him; for, having now known him nearly half a
day, his confidence in his honour and integrity was naturally unbounded.

'That was the King, of course?' said Popanilla, when they were fairly
out of the palace.

'The King!' said the unknown, nearly surprised into an exclamation; 'by
no means!'

'And what then?'

'My good friend! is it possible that you have no bankers in your
country?'

'Yes, it is very possible; but we have mermaids, who also give us shells
which are pretty. What then are your bankers?'

'Really, my good friend, that is a question which I never remember
having been asked before; but a banker is a man who keeps our money for
us.'

'Ah! and he is bound, I suppose, to return your money, when you choose?'