He then opened his mouth and requested the company to look whether any portion of the phosphorus remained in his mouth.

Several gentlemen examined his mouth, and declared that there was no phosphorus perceptible either upon or under his tongue.

He was then by his own desire unbandaged.

The fire-king forthwith turned to Mr.Smith and offered him the other glass of phosphorus.

Mr.Smith started back in infinite alarm--'Not for worlds, Sir, not for worlds; I beg to decline it.' The Fire-king--"Then wherefore did you send me a challenge?
You pledged your honor to drink it, if I did; I have done it; and if you are a gentleman, you must drink it too." Mr.Smith--"No, no, I must be excused: I am quite satisfied without it." Here several voices exclaimed that the bet was lost.