mbler members of the profession contented themselves with
explaining that they had once been prosperous tradesmen, and were now
walking to Muirtown in search of work--receiving their alms, in
silence, with diffidence and shame; but those in a higher walk came to
consult the Rabbi on Bible difficulties, which were threatening to
shake their faith, and departed much relieved--with a new view of Lot's
wife, as well as a suit of clothes the Rabbi had only worn three times.

[Illustration: Two tramps held conference.]

"You have done kindly by me in calling"--the vagabond had finished his
story and was standing, a very abject figure, among the books--"and in
giving me the message from your friend. I am truly thankful that he is
now labouring--in iron, did you say? and I hope he may be a cunning
artificer.

"You will not set it down to carelessness that I cannot quite recall
the face of your friend, for, indeed, it is my privilege to see many
travellers, and there are times when I may have been a minister to them
on their journeys, as I would be to you also if there be anything in
which I can serve you. It grieves me to say that I have no clothing
that I might offer you; it happens that a very worthy man passed here a
few days ago most insufficiently clad and . . . but I should not have
alluded to that; my other garments, save what I wear, are . . . kept in
a place of . . . safety by my excellent housekeeper, and she makes
their custody a point of conscience; you might put the matter before
her. . . . Assuredly it would be difficult, and I crave your pardon
for putting you in an . . . embarrassing position; it is my misfortune
to have to-day neither silver nor gold," catching sight of Carmichael
in the passage, "this is a Providence. May I borrow from you, John,
some suitable sum for our brother here who is passing through
adversity?"

"Do not be angry with me, John"--after the tramp had departed, with
five shillings in hand and much triumph over Carmichael on his
face--"nor speak bitterly of our fellow men. Verily theirs is a hard
lot who have no place to lay their head, and who journey in weariness
from city to city. John, I was once a stranger and a wayfarer,
wandering over the length and breadth of the land. Nor had I a friend
on earth till my feet were led to the Mains, where my heart was greatly
refreshed, and now God has surrounded me with young men of whose
kindness I am not worthy, wherefore it becometh me