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AN ANCIENT MANUSCRIPT. therein.

And another who did own vast tracts of land and many herds of cattle, answered him thus; Owing to possible territorial changes in the laws of the land do I stand in fear of losing all my possessions, therefore must I say thee nay.

Yet another did speak long and loudly of the many pieces of gold which he did give to the poor, and to the sick and needy, and then did press into the hand of the man who would go exploring, three rolled pieces of dried leaves, which the people of the land do burn in their mouths, in order that they may be comforted.

¶ And it came to pass that the shoes of Shackleton did wear thin on his feet with his wanderings, when he did come to one who had of his stores of wealth given unto the people of the land many thousands of books of great price, so that the people who did receive them became sadly in want by spending their money in keeping them in order, and to him he did say;

Give unto me I pray thee, a little of thy gold that I may fulfil my labours. But the rich man answered him saying, Nay, for in this thing have I no interest.

And one there was who scoffed saying, Go to,