t be seen, being confined to bed
in consequence of several bruises received in an encounter with two
highwaymen. I called next day, and was still confined. On the third I
did the same, but I had gone out with a friend. On the fourth I learned
that I was dead.

It will readily be believed that this last intelligence was far from
being unwelcome. On hearing of my own death I felt the most lively
pleasure, anticipating the period when I would be myself again. That
period, according to Wolstang's solemn vow, would arrive in five days.
Three of these I had spent in the house, carefully secluding myself from
observation, when I heard a sneeze at the outside of the door. It
opened, and in stepped the little man with the snuff-coloured surtout,
the scarlet waistcoat, and the wooden leg. I had conceived a dislike
approaching to horror at this old rascal, whom I naturally concluded to
be at the bottom of these diabolical transformations; I, however,
contained my wrath till I should hear what he had to say.

"I wish you much joy, my dear friend, that you are going to resume your
own body. There is, however, one circumstance, which perhaps you have
overlooked. Are you aware that you are to be buried to-day?"

"I never thought of it," answered I calmly, "nor is it of any
consequence, I presume. In two days I shall be myself again. I shall
then leave this body behind me, and take possession of my own."

"And where will your own body be then?"

"In the grave," said I with a shudder, as the thought came across me.

"Precisely so, and you will enjoy the pleasure of being buried alive;
that, I suppose, you have not calculated upon."

This remark struck me with blank dismay, and I fell back on my chair,
uttering a deep groan. "Is there then no hope? cannot this dreadful doom
be averted? must I be buried alive?"

"The case is rather a hard one, Mr Stadt, but perhaps not without a
remedy."

"Yes, there is a remedy," cried I, starting up and striking my forehead.
"I shall hie me to my own house, and entreat them to suspend the funeral
for two days."

"I saw the undertaker's men enter the house, as I passed by, for the
purpose, I should think, of screwing down the coffin-lid. The company
also, I find, are beginning to collect, so that there is little hope of
your succeeding. However," continued he, taking a pinch of snuff, "you
may try, and if you fail, I have a scheme in view which will perhaps
suit your purpose. I shall await yo