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 escaped molestation, and I can with difficulty comprehend the cause of your extreme apprehension. In my country we are menaced with troubles, and I have devoted little attention to this.”

“The explanation might be tedious,” replied the venerable host. “Be thankful, then, if you escape the impending storm. After three days you will be beyond its fury for the present. We are in its track, and our land, I fear, shall be an Æolian bag of tempests for a long time. Be cautious, and be not surprised, and I would gladly see you safe again.”

The old man then filled the pouch of each wayfarer with the same substantial viands that had served for breakfast, adding, “You will need it. Should you pass this way again, my friends, or either of you, and the miscreants who torment us should spare our hovels, or should we have no more for them to convert into palaces of idleness and superstition,” said the old man again when his guests tendered their farewell greeting, and the security of his company rendered free speech permissible, “and you will honor my humble abode with your respected presence, I hope that the results of events now transpiring will enable me to do you as much honor as I could wish.” Thereupon the Jew, placing his hand on the old man’s shoulders, imprinted a kiss upon his lips, saying: “My honored friend, most welcome shall your roof be to my eyes should I so far progress in that evolution which brings wisdom, and advance in that soul-growth which leads to perfection, as to be able meetly to appreciate the divine