It must, therefore, have been towards the close of autumn in the same year when my next important adventure befell.

This time the temptation assumed a different shape.
Coming briskly homewards one fine frosty morning after having left a note at the Vicarage, I saw a bill-sticker at work upon a line of dead wall which at that time reached from the Red Lion Inn to the corner of Pitcairn's Lane.

His posters were printed in enormous type, and decorated with a florid bordering in which the signs of the zodiac conspicuously figured Being somewhat idly disposed, I followed the example of other passers-by, and lingered to watch the process and read the advertisement.

It ran as follows:---- MAGIC AND MYSTERY! MAGIC AND MYSTERY! * * * * * M.LE CHEVALIER ARMAND PROUDHINE, (of Paris) surnamed THE WIZARD OF THE CAUCASUS, Has the honor to announce to the Nobility and Gentry of Saxonholme and its vicinity, that he will, to-morrow evening (October--, 18--), hold his First SOIREE FANTASTIQUE IN THE LARGE ROOM OF THE RED LION HOTEL.
* * * * * ADMISSION 1s.

RESERVED SEATS 2s.