are, my dear sir.' 'Quite aware of that, my dear Phil. And
very glad I am to get your company. Of course you are anxious to be up
above in good time; and if you can stop here an hour, I shall be happy
to accompany you.' Indeed, thought I to myself, Polly will stare. 'Most
happy,' I replied. 'I fear you will take harm from that nasty puddle at
my door,' observed the king. 'Wouldn't you wish to lie down and rest a
bit, before we start out together.' I thought that a safe way of getting
through the time. 'You are very good,' said I. 'Get a bed ready, Coffin
and Purse!' Two bright little imps darted away, and the Thing turning
round to me with a sulphurous yawn, said, 'I don't mind, Phil, if I lie
down with you.' Surely he's roasting me, I thought.

"True as sorrow, Mr. Timothy, Coffin and Purse came back in no time to
say the bed was ready; and I followed the king with as good courage as a
Smithfield martyr. But I did not, I did _not_ expect what followed. We
went into a small vault, of which half the floor was covered by a
blazing fire: all the coals had been raked level, and that was Coffin
and Purse's bed-making. 'Well, I'll get in at once,' said the king; 'you
see we've a nice light mattress.' 'Light, sir! why it's in vivid blazes.
You don't suppose I can lie down on that.' 'Why not, Phil? You see I do.
Here I am, snug and comfortable.' 'Yes, my dear sir, but you forget the
difference there is between us?' 'And yes again, Mr. Spruce; but please
to remember this is Christmas Day, a day on which all differences should
be ended.'

"'And now,' said the monster, sitting up suddenly upon a corner of the
bed, 'and now, Phil, I will urge you to nothing. You are a reasoning
man, and count for a philosopher. Let's argue a bit, Mr. Spruce.' 'I'm
favorable to free discussion.' I replied; 'but I decide on principles of
common sense.' 'Let common sense decide,' replied the king, crossing his
knees and looking conversational. 'The point at issue is, whether with
your views it would be better for you to remain a man or to become a
cinder. What were your thoughts this morning, Philip Spruce?' 'This
morning I was thinking about human nature, sir.' 'And how did you decide
upon it, Philip?' 'Humbly asking pardon, sir, and meaning no offense,
may I inquire whether in present company it is permitted to speak
disrespectfully of the Devil?'

"I wouldn't have said that, Phil, to a man of his appearance."

"Lord bless you, Tim Drum, he looke