And to-night it's my treat again -- and we'll have oysters and a time!" When the drinks were brought and cigars lighted, Ed said: "Well, when, I delivered the letter to Mr.Vanderbilt----" "Great Scott!" "Gracious, how you scared me.

What's the matter ?" "Oh--er--nothing.

Nothing--it was a tack in the chair-seat," said one.
"But you all said it.

However, no matter.

When I delivered the letter----" "Did you deliver it ?" And they looked at each other as people might who thought that maybe they were dreaming.
Then they settled to listening; and as the story deepened and its marvels grew, the amazement of it made them dumb, and the interest of it took their breath.