triumph
were unspeakable:--two horns of the most beautiful curva-
ture adorned the crested head of this noble northern.
Anticipation thus blessed by the fulness of fruition, the
bringer was super-abundantly rewarded. Next morning the
virtuoso sent a message to each of his most highly favoured
friends, desiring attendance at his house instantaneously,
on an occasion of vast importance. "Gentlemen," said he to
his assembled visitants, "I may now boast possession of that
whicli will astonish the universe--a horned cock! behold the
rara avis, and envy my felicity!" So saying, he uncovered a
wicker basket, when lo! the bird, shorn of its honours!
indignant at confinement, and struggling for freedom, had
dropped its waxen antlers! The unfortunate virtuoso stood
aghast and speechless, and only at last found utterance to
curse his own credulity!

~~310~~~ Pursuing their course along the City Road, the two friends were
attracted by the appearance of a caravan, stationary on the road side,
whereon was inscribed, in large characters, The Female Salamander.

"Here is another instance," observed Dashall, "of the varieties of Real
Life in London."

"Walk in, gentlemen," exclaimed the proprietor, "and see the surprising
young woman over whom the element of fire has no control!"

Tom and Bob accepted the invitation. Entering the caravan, they were
received by an interesting young female, apparently not more than
eighteen years of age, with a courteousness of manner far beyond what
could have been expected from an itinerant exhibitor.

So soon as a sufficient number of spectators had congregated within the
vehicle, the female Salamander commenced her exhibition.

Taking a red-hot poker from the fire, she grasped it firmly, and drew
it from head to point through her hand, without sustaining the smallest
injury!

~~311~~~ "Will you permit me to look at your hand?" asked Dashall.

The girl extended her hand,--the palm was moist, and seemed to have
been previously fortified against danger by some secret liquid or
other application, now reeking from its recent contact with the flaming
weapon.

An uncivilized bumpkin accused her of deception, asserting that the
poker was not heated to the extent represented.

"Touch and try," answered the girl. He did so, and the cauterizing
instrument gave a feeling (although not very satisfactory) negative to
his asser