ior presided; he would
very often tell his audience that business required his attendance
elsewhere, to visit the sick, and that he left the explanation of his
medicines and their properties to his pupil, who was far advanced in
knowledge. With my prepossessing appearance, I made a great effect, more
especially among the ladies, and Timothy exerted himself so much when
with me, that we never failed to bring home to Melchior a great addition
to his earnings--so much so, that at last he only showed himself,
pretended that he was so importuned to visit sick persons, that he could
stay no longer, and then left us, after the first half hour, to carry on
the business for him. After six weeks of uninterrupted success, we
returned to the camp, which, as usual, was not very far off.

Chapter XVI

Important news, but not communicated--A dissolution of partnership
takes place.

Melchior's profits had been much more than he anticipated, and he was
very liberal to Timothy and myself; indeed, he looked upon me as his
right hand, and became more intimate and attached every day. We were, of
course, delighted to return to the camp, after our excursion. There was
so much continued bustle and excitement in our peculiar profession, that
a little quiet was delightful; and I never felt more happy than when
Fleta threw herself into my arms, and Nattee came forward with her usual
dignity and grace, but with more than usual condescendence and kindness,
bidding me welcome _home_. Home--alas! it was never meant for my home,
or poor Fleta's--and that I felt. It was our sojourn for a time, and no
more.

We had been more than a year exercising our talents in this lucrative
manner, when one day, as I was sitting at the entrance to the tent, with
a book in my hand, out of which Fleta was reading to me, a gipsy not
belonging to our gang made his appearance. He was covered with dust, and
the dew drops hanging on his dark forehead, proved that he had travelled
fast. He addressed Nattee, who was standing by, in their own language,
which I did not understand; but I perceived that he asked for Melchior.
After an exchange of a few sentences, Nattee expressed astonishment and
alarm, put her hands over her face, and removed them as quickly, as if
derogatory in her to show emotion, and then remained in deep thought.
Perceiving Melchior approaching, the gipsy hastened to him, and they
were soon in animated conversation. In ten minutes it wa