So the folks all gathered in one end of the parlor, and in a few moments Lamb entered the door at the other end.

He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you will perceive that I have nothing about me except my ordinary clothing; and yet I shall produce presently two dishes filled with water and living fish.

Please watch me narrowly." Then Peter flung the handkerchief over his hand and arm, and we could see that he was working away vigorously at something beneath it.

He continued for some moments, and still the gold-fish did not appear.

Then he began to grow very red in the face, and we saw that something was the matter.