"Under that," said I, pointing to the lowermost of the thimbles, which, as they stood, formed a kind of triangle.

"No," said he, "it is not, but lift it up;" and, when I lifted up the thimble, the pellet, in truth, was not under it.

"It was under none of them," said he, "it was pressed by my little finger against my palm;" and then he showed me how he did the trick, and asked me if the game was not a funny one; and, on my answering in the affirmative, he said, "I am glad you like it, come along and let us win some money." Thereupon, getting up, he placed the table before him, and was moving away; observing, however, that I did not stir, he asked me what I was staying for.

"Merely for my own pleasure," said I, "I like sitting here very well." "Then you won't close ?" said the man.

"By no means," I replied, "your proposal does not suit me." "You may be principal in time," said the man.