The landlady's son has found my notarial seal an admirable plaything--she has had to lick the little devil twice for hooking it--my pens and stationery are at your disposal, should you desire to communicate to absent friends; you can have the run of my library!" the judge fairly trembled in his eagerness.

It was not the loss of his money that Hannibal most feared, and the coin passed from his possession into his host's custody.

As it dropped into the latter's great palm he was visibly moved.

His moist, blue eyes became yet more watery, while his battered old face assumed an expression indicating deep inward satisfaction.

"Thank you, my boy! This is one of those intrinsically trifling benefits which, conferred at the moment of acute need, touch the heart and tap the unfailing springs of human gratitude--I must step down to the tavern--when I return, please God, we shall know more of each other." While he was still speaking he had produced a jug from behind the quilt that screened his bed, and now, bareheaded, and with every indication of haste, took himself off into the night.
Left alone, Hannibal gravely seated himself at the table.