Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/71

Rh fond of work. It keeps me in good health, and there's nothing like it. I am ambitious too, and covetous also greedy of gain and glory; and I never lose an opportunity of extending my empire, and adding to the number of my subjects. I use all sorts of means, and I'll teach you some precious tricks when you become my private secretary.'

Just then something like a cloud of black dust rushed through the street with the speed of a steam-engine. The Demon held up both his hands, and it stopped. It was a light and curious carriage of complicated construction, drawn by a noble pair of red horses, from whose sides fell flakes of snowy foam. Fire seemed to dart from their eyes and nostrils. Within the carriage sat a burly, jolly, middle-aged gentleman, dressed in clothes which must have been two or three hundred years old. He took off his hat to the Demon, and looked very keenly at me, for the spell of invisibility had been taken off.

'Whither away now in such break-neck haste, Doctor Julius?' inquired my conductor.

'To the Hall of Inexpressible Delight, please your Majesty,' replied the gentleman in a rich bass voice 'to see the unhappy Charles, who has been struck down again. And now, since I have fortunately met with you, sir may I take the liberty of inquiring after the health of the charming and amiable Princess Bellagranda?'

'She is as well as she always deserves to be,' answered the Demon; 'and now for my question: how are public affairs in your quarter?'

'Troublesome, sir-very troublesome; matters are looking ominous and gloomy—a congestion of blood sir; a congestion of blood. Stripes, rows, rebellions, revolutions!' replied the Doctor as he drove on.

The Demon muttered 'Ha!' with a snap of his teeth.