the least occasion for it on the voyage, as the weather was so moderate, and so it lay where I had myself put it in my travelling-case the evening before I left Quarda. It was soon brought to light, and I was proceeding to remove its wrappings, preparatory to regaling my self with a dose, when something in the angularity and weight of the bottle caused me to take it nearer to the light. My surprise may be imagined when I found that I was handling, not Maggie's bottle, but the heptagonal box with the crystal! How on earth could this be? I could have been on my oath that, before I left Quarda, I had put this heptagon away, and securely locked it up in a very secret place, being apprehensive, now that I knew some of the strange properties of it, lest any one should meddle with it. However, I could ponder this matter later; for the present, let me find the right package, and take my cordial. But, wonderful to relate, no cordial was to be found not though I emptied the case from which I had drawn the heptagon, and then littered the floor with almost every article of my baggage. It was a most perplexing and annoying affair. I remembered perfectly having gone myself for the bottle, and having packed it carefully away.

On taking up the heptagon again after my rummage, I remarked (which I had not done before) that the crystal was not unlike the top of the stopper of Maggie's old-fashioned bottle, and that the two things were in form very similar, though of course the bottle was not seven-sided.

Disappointed though I was about the medicine, I could not but reflect upon the singular chance, if chance it were, by which the weird apparatus had replaced Maggie's bottle. Could the accident be turned to any profitable account, was the next consideration. The excitement aroused by the unlooked-for appearance of the heptagon, and the search which I had made through my baggage, had somehow a good effect on my condition my head did not ache as it before had done and I was far less dull than I had been when I determined to take the cordial. A new idea presented itself now. As the means of doing so were so strangely at hand,

could I not summon my goblin adviser as I had before done, and obtain some further guidance? He made no noise on former occasions, and, as far as my experience could show, an interview with him might be managed as simply here as at home. After some reflection, I decided on tempting the ordeal once more; and once I had come to the resolution, I was impatient for the hour to arrive when the house would be quiet, and I could carry it out.

As the silence of night deepened, I, having lighted my chamber as brilliantly as I could (for I was unwilling to evoke remark by ordering an unusual array of candles, and at the same time inclined to receive my visitor in not too dim a scene), extracted the heptagon from the trunk in which it had travelled, and set myself to work the charm as I had done before. It proved a tedious process this time, but I was in too great a strait to be soon discouraged; and after many random movings and pinchings, I was at length rewarded by hearing the click, while the pungent odor came forth in seemingly increased strength. I resisted with all my might the oppressive feeling which ensued, as in former cases, and looked straight into the space before me for the apparition. It was not there; and after gazing for a second or two, I sighed at the thought that my experiment had failed, and that my embarrassment would now be serious. I rose from my chair, changing, as I did so, the direction of my look. Ha, goodness! what is that? My heart leaped, and my knees gave way for a moment. Then I became conscious that the visitor whom I had summoned was standing, not where I had been peering to find him, but on the far side of the bed. Recovering myself by an effort, I proceeded at once to use the opportunity.

I

"You have brought me here," said; what am I to do? You know my difficulty."

Go again to Forsyth's," answered the figure, in my very voice; "don't be afraid to play once more return to the life you formerly led here."

I was going to rejoin, "How, without money?'' but before I could frame my question the spectre had vanished. There was not much reassurance in his new precepts. However, he did not

seem to have led me very wrong before, and I thought I might follow his guidance for a day or two longer.

Amid my agitation and anxiety at the interview, I had in some way contrived to remark that my double had altered his costume exactly as I had altered mine. On former visitations he had worn the rustic garb which I used at Quarda; now he was clad as a young man of fashion. It was most perplexing; but I had, as it were, committed myself to the hands of a strange destiny, and I felt firm to go through with my enterprise. Somehow I contrived to get a few hours of sound sleep; and on waking I was again so full of my new instructions, that I forgot about my indisposition of last night-it had, in fact, passed away, and I felt quite ready to exert myself. I turned over in my mind what advances toward recovery of my old associates I could with an almost empty pocket presume to make; I determined that I would see Aline, cost what it might to do so; and I must make my appearance at Forsvth's, dangerous as the experiment seemed, for I had been specially enjoined to be there. Forsyth's, let me explain, was a club, frequented by young men who would in the present day be distinguished as "fast." (I think we were called "bloods" or "bucks.") It was also noted for the high play that took place there. Although I had withdrawn myself from town, I had made no formal retirement from the club, and my subscription had

not run out.

As soon, then, as I had despatched breakfast, I made off to Forsyth's, the only point in my day's programme to which I could go at so early an hour. The old porter seemed astonished at my appearing, but made no remark except that he was glad to see me in town again, and looking well. I asked him if there were many gentlemen in the morning-room, and he replied that I would have it all to myself, and might have my choice of the newspapers. In former days I should have thought it almost an impropriety to be seen there before noon, but my short country life had broken me a little to thriftier habits. The rooms looked quite stiff and cheer

less as I entered-indeed, Forsyth's was a model of propriety until lamps and candles began to put a little freedom into it.

I soon chose a journal-news six days old was at that period considered very fresh-and began to examine the latest accounts of what was going on across the English Channel. We were then in what afterward received the name of "The Hundred Days," and the interest of Britons was excited to a very high pitch. I had barely, in my island retreat, heard of Napoleon's sortie from Elba; and I had been so downcast with my own misfortunes, that the public news which I had heard had failed to move me.

Once more in the city, I could no longer remain quite callous. I plunged eagerly into the accounts of efforts that were being made to resuscitate the French Empire, and shuddered at the huge European war which was once more showing his wrinkled front." Absorbed as I was in the news, I scarce perceived the entrance into the room of another person, and it was with quite a start that I heard the new-comer say, "Cameron, my dear fellow, is that you? I'm devilish glad to see you; and I think I must not henceforth scoff at signs and visions, for by (so-and-so), I dreamt this morning that I saw you in here, and, to say truth, my early appearance is the consequence of the dream, for it made me restless.''

"That is a most polite way of putting it, my dear fellow," I returned: "you were so taken with the bare possibility of meeting me, suggested by only a dream, that you broke through all rules of good society, and hazarded being seen here at eleven in the morning, to try whether the blissful vision might be realized."

"Raillery apart, you are not altogether wrong, Cameron. I have not forgotten the kind way in which you behaved to me last year about that gambling debt. For some time past I have been in a position to settle it. But you had fled, and nobody could tell me your address. When I dreamed to-day, I felt as if a weight were to be taken off my mind, and I did come hurrying down, regardless of all custom."

"Wonders will never cease!" I said. Fancy the hard-headed Maitland a believer in dreams!"

"I don't know about believer in them generally; that's rather strong. But I was deeply impressed, and as you see, the dream has come true."

66 Gate of horn, eh? Wonderful coincidence! Dream something better

next time, Maitland."'

"I have laid myself open to your gibes by confessing. No doubt, if the truth were known, you may have experienced something that you found it hard to account for. Ah! does that touch you ?''

I suppose I changed color during the latter part of his remarks. How justly he spoke I knew only too well. My own rashness at jesting on the subject of things supernatural struck me with much force. Maitland, full of gratitude, would not take advantage of my confusion, but went back to the subject which occupied him.

"Look here, old fellow !'' said he. "You behaved d—d kindly, and I'm infinitely obliged to you. Do you remember what the amount is ?''

"Not exactly, and I don't know for the moment where to find a memorandum. Quite two hundred, I think."

"Two hundred and thirty-five I own to. If that is not right, we can settle afterward. Here is the amount, and many thanks with it."

"Oh, I'm quite satisfied, and will cry quits," I replied.

༞་་

We had a very pleasant half hour together, and separated with the hope of enjoying more of each other's company. The warm-hearted fellow was, I believe, really glad to see me, and the meeting with him raised in me a feeling nearer to joy than any that I had experienced for many a day. Distinctly I say that the glow was caused by his friendliness; for it was not until after I left him that I saw the important effect which the rencontre with him might have on my fortunes. As soon as I was alone and reflected, my possession of the money which he had paid me appeared as wonderful as it was opportune. The apparition had not answered me on the subject of money wherewith to carry out his directions; but lo! within twelve hours of my short interview with him

came this practical answer-money was brought me. And it was money, moreover, which I need have no scruple about accepting and using. No magic coin, which might turn to leaves or patches; no subsidy obtained by questionable acts, which might, in the longrun, bring a curse with it; but the return of a loan honestly and fairly made, and almost forgotten-a loan made before I had even thought of such visitations as I had recently received. And Maitland had, in some way, been moved by a dream to pay me to-day. Could his dream be entirely independent of the weird instructions which I had received? and was his coming to my aid in the nick of time a coincidence only? It was hard to think so.

The repayment of the money was not the only happy event of that day. Fortune (or somebody else) favored me with a marked benevolence in another direction. Now that I had command of a little ready money, all hesitation was removed as to becoming a visitor at Mr. Macleod's house, and delighting my soul by seeing and admiring his daughter. Í therefore, in the afternoon, put on gallant attire (still keeping, as I hope, removed from dandyism), and set off to call at the house in the High Street which held the choicest pearl of the ancient city. When I was getting near my destination, I was aware of two ladies coming on foot toward me, on the other side of the way, and felt sure, even at a distance, that the graceful form and gait of one of them must belong to Aline. It was even so. As the distance decreased between the pair and me, I recognized beyond doubt the lady on whom my heart was fixed. Her companion was Mrs. Fergus Fraser, a widow lady whom I used to know well. I could scarcely have designed a more eligible meeting, if I had been commissioned to choose; for Mrs. Fraser was a fast friend of mine, and had, I thought, often helped me against my rival.

My unheralded appearance took Aline quite off her guard. I had every reason to be gratified at the confusion which she exhibited on meeting me. After the inquiries usual on such occasions, I asked and obtained leave to turn and escort her and her friend on their walk.

They had taken the opportunity of a fair afternoon to go shopping; but, according to my observation of the occurrences of that agreeable day, the shop ping was all Mrs. Fraser's. That lady inade certainly many incursions into shops, and did not hurry to come out again, one result of this repetition of lucky accidents being that Aline and I were frequently left together. I used my privilege as well as I knew how, and obtained a pretty clear idea of the state of things in what I may call the theatre of war. Captain Menzies was, as I was grieved to find, still in high favor with Mr. Macleod, though many other people knew that he was losing much money by play; that he was addicting himself to intemperance, and was becoming a most disagreeable acquaintance. There was no reason to think that I would be objected to as a visitor at the house, and I perceived that, as a dancing partner and a general acquaintance (that was the way in which the relation was explained to me), I might hope to be restored to my former position. Aline told me of many entertainments which were likely soon to be . given, and rather hinted that she would be pleased if I could contrive to be included among the guests. It was the most cheering afternoon that I had known for a very long time.

As my return became known to one old acquaintance after another, invitations found their way to me of which I was not slow to avail myself. My reappearance was an offence to Captain Menzies, at which that gallant person did not conceal his resentment. His manner to me was repulsive; he never lost an opportunity of doing me an ill turn; and if ever I approached Aline in his presence, he, without ceremony, interrupted our conference, and acted as if he had a right to overlook and regulate her conduct. On one occasion, at a large ball, he, being, as I think, much flushed with wine, made himself especially disagreeable. I danced with Aline two dances early in the evening. He, vastly angry at her accepting me, endeavored to break the engagement, declaring that she had promised him for those country-dances. She behaved with spirit in the matter, and let me lead her off to her place. He could hardly

annoy me while she was my partner, but afterward he took occasion more than once to be uncivil; and but that I felt myself to stand much higher in her good graces than he did, and so was in com placent mood, I could hardly have refrained from quarrelling with him. From that ball I went away in high spirits, after putting Aline into her chair. It did not detract from my desire to win her that, if I could be for+ tunate enough to do so, I should bitterly disappoint and enrage this surly fellow. It seemed hardly possible that an affair of some sort between us could for long be averted.

While I was thus returning to my place in society, I rather went back also to an old habit. I think I could, and would, have refrained from again taking to it; but the direction of the strange adviser, under whom I was acting and certain, ly not losing ground, was to return to it. I mean the play at Forsyth's, in which I had been very cautiously indulging since the day when Maitland handed me the money. Now there was something remarkable in my doings in this direction. I was invariably suc-, cessful; and if I had been staking large sums, which I was not, I might in a few evenings have recovered much of the losses which had driven me from fashionable society. I said once or twice to Maitland that his money had been a fairy gift, and my luck, since he handed it to me, had completely changed.

And so things remained for a little

time.

Then the ordinary course of events received a startling derangement through the sudden arrival of news that a great victory had been won by the Allied army in the Low Countries. The reaction which this occasioned, after the sickening alarm which had prevailed when it became known that Napoleon was once more prosecuting his devilish designs in Europe, was almost intoxicating. People gave loose to their joy. without stint, and idleness and revelry were for a time entirely in the ascendant.

It was during this period of excite ment that I called one day on the agent whom I have before mentioned as the man to whom I had intrusted the disposal of certain securities. He chanced

to be at his desk, and received me with a hearty shake of the hand and warm congratulations, observing that it was lucky for me that my letter on the subject had not reached him in due course, as the glorious victory had now trebled the value of my property. I learned from him, moreover, that the missing mail-vessel had at length turned up. Her non-arrival had been caused by a furious gale which she encountered, after two-thirds of her voyage had been accomplished in favorable weather. She had been much damaged, and compelled to refit before proceeding. The cargo was so disturbed in the storm, that the mail-bag could not for many days be found, and when discovered it could only, with great difficulty and after long delay, be forwarded by land, on account of the want of resources of the little port where the ship had found shelter. The time of her meeting with bad weather coincided strangely with that of a certain advice which I had received to return from Quarda to Edinburgh ! Very soon after this, the whole city was one afternoon put in a state of great commotion by the arrival of intelligence that Napoleon had been taken by one of our cruisers. It was premature, but we remained for quite two days under the impression that the dreaded "Boney' was in our hands, and not likely to slip out of them again; and we rejoiced accordingly. On the evening of its arrival, the streets were literally full of people discussing the most important event, and congratulating each other on the terrible war being at length really over.

I remember the evening well, for to me it was a very eventful one. It did not become dark till near ten o'clock, but a party of men, all of whom had grown tired of the crowded streets, found their way into Forsyth's somewhere about seven o'clock. When the great event had been talked over and over, we being all in high spirits, a number of us decided to begin at once to play. We shut out the daylight, lighted the chandeliers, and went very briskly at our amusement.

I was one of those who most readily voted for the game. My dinner had been taken with one or two acquaintances, and we had drunk pretty freely

to the health of the gallant sailors whom we believed to have captured our once potent enemy. By this means I had lost the coolness and caution with which I had attended the gaming table ever since my return to town. And yet, as sometimes happens with men who have become a little elevated, I was strangely cautious on a point which probably would have engaged the attention of very few men at such a time. After dinner it kept recurring to my mind that I was now almost invariably a winner, and that if I should attempt to carry home a sum of any magnitude while there were such crowds in the streets, I might be robbed. So pertinacious was this idea that, before going to Forsyth's, I proceeded to my own apartments and loaded and pocketed a small pistol. This, though I was moved to it by wine rather than by reason, was an action of some moment, as will appear.

My run of luck had made me confident, and my pleasant dinner had not tended to make the confidence less. I may have begun gently with my stakes, but the moderation did not last long. Fortune favored me, as she had often done of late, and I was soon ready for heavy ventures. To complete my abandonment of self-control, Captain Menzies appeared at the table, evidently in a very bad humor. The sight of my winnings doubled his ferocity. made envious remarks about them, and joined himself in the play in order to turn the tables; but I still kept my advantage. I had already won considerably, and I now won more.

The animus of Captain Menzies was so manifest, and he so betrayed his desire that I should lose, that the rest of the company, fearing a quarrel, withdrew one by one from the game, and left it a duel, as it were, between Menzies and me. Of course most of them knew of our rivalry in another field; and so they stood as onlookers, and made jokes as we players grew hot with gambling rage. It was soon evident that my good-luck was not to be resisted. I, knowing that I had netted something handsome, wished to secure it, and was moderate. Menzies was for a time furious, and would have recklessly increased the stakes had I not objected. He seemned at last to allow that