The price was an extortion, certainly, but surely he was worth the extra shilling! "He has brought but little braveries of attire into the Castle," continued the Cicerone, "but I 'ave something 'ere which was found on the top of his portmanteau.

I wot ye know not the use of this." To the Barbarian's intense indignation, the Cicerone produced, from under his, his (the Barbarian's) own opera hat.

"Marry, what should be this?
Read me this riddle! To it--and unyoke!" A dozen vacant guesses were made as the showman held it aloft.

Then with a conjuror's gesture he suddenly placed his thumbs within the rim, released the spring and extended the hat.

The assembly laughed again silently as before.
"'Tis a hat," said the Cicerone, with a superior air.
"Nay," said Maudlin, "give it here." She took it curiously, examined it, and then with a sudden coquettish movement lifted it towards her own coifed head, as if to try it on.