But he was not ripe enough either in philosophy or religion for such meditations.

Having executed his task, for as such he regarded it, he turned to look through the strange mixture of wisdom and credulity composing the volume.

One tale after another, of witch, and demon, and magician, firmly believed and honestly recorded by his worthy relative, drew him on, until he sat forgetful of everything but the world of marvels before him--to none of which, however, did he accord a wider credence than sprung from the interest of the moment.

He was roused by a noise of quarrel in the farmyard, towards which his window looked, and, laying aside reading, hastened out to learn the cause..