ithin a few more days, they did not hesitate, but approached as soon
as my hand appeared below the water, and presently they were not
alarmed if I moved my hand about among them. The first time that I
attempted to take hold of one, I created a disturbance which made them
shy for a few days; but after a time they learned that I would not
harm them, whereas I always brought them food. Why should they not
trust me? So you see, Doctor, there is no witchcraft about it."

"No! Your explanation of how you charm fish removes it from the region
of the mysterious, and I have no doubt that what Mesmer observed,
could be as satisfactorily explained if we only knew how."

So the subject was dropped, and both retired to their staterooms, as
the hour was late. Dr. Medjora, when alone, occupied himself with the
serious problem before him. He had undertaken a charge,--the education
of a youth endowed with unusual intelligence. To teach him all that he
wished him to know, it became an essential part of his plan that Leon
should be hypnotized. How should he accomplish it?

Leon slept soundly, or if he dreamed at all, it was of the name which
he would make for himself.

Early on the following morning the steamboat landed her passengers,
and Leon set foot upon the shores of New York City. He had sat upon
the deck for more than an hour, marvelling at the extent of the two
cities between which they passed down the East river; he had gazed
with wondering eyes upon the great bridge, astonished that the name of
the engineer was not known to him; and the thought hurt, for if one
might build such a structure and not be more widely known to fame, how
was he, a poor country boy, to earn distinction? He had admired the
beautiful Battery, the Statue of Liberty, the lovely bay, the tall
buildings, and had felt that he was almost approaching Paradise. But
at last he was ashore, and in New York, the Mecca of all good citizens
of the New World, and he felt correspondingly elated.

Cabs and carriages were offered by shouting hackmen, with stentorian
voices, and insinuating manners, but the Doctor pushed through the
throng, and crossed the street to where two magnificent black horses,
attached to a luxurious carriage, tossed their heads and shook their
silver chains. A man in livery opened the door, and Dr. Medjora made a
sign to Leon to get in, which he did, for the first time beginning to
realize that his newfound friend was a man of wealth.

The dr