erved that "it was astonishing how
many fools and ignoramuses there were still in the nineteenth century,
when the schoolmaster was abroad." "A very sage remark," answered his
friend. "If the schoolmaster would stay at home, and mind his own
business, instead of being abroad so much, perhaps the world would be
better taught. I notice that he is always going to an education
convention. But I didn't show you that for the purpose of eliciting
wisdom: quite the contrary--folly is what I'm after, just now. What do
you think of our turning astrologers?" "Grand! you're a genius, Will!
that's the very thing to wake us up! Here are you and I, dashing blades,
who have been doing penance by trying to be fine gentlemen at
watering-places, when it wasn't at all in our line. I began to think we
looked as much like fops as the rest of the scented and bearded
dress-coats, who strut about, and imagine the world is looking at them.
This would throw us into quite another rank of life, and give us new
ideas. How shall we manage it though, my fine fellow?" "Nothing easier
in the world. Let us rent a small house, somewhere near the
Bowery--that's the right neighborhood; and when we have fitted it up
suitably to our trade, I'll engage to put an advertisement in the papers
that shall draw us customers. How do you think I could pass for a Jew?"
"Pretty well, with your coal-black eyes and hooked nose: but what is
that notion?" "I think it would cause a great sensation if the Wandering
Jew were to appear again in real life. What between Croly and Eugene
Sue, he has been kept very extensively before the public in books: but I
believe no one has had the audacity as yet to represent him in an
every-day, money-getting capacity, at least in America. How do you like
my plan?" "Superb! the only objection is that you are rather youthful in
appearance for one who has wandered over the earth for more than
eighteen hundred years. Could you alter that, Will?" "Somewhat, with the
aid of a snow-white wig and yellow dye; and you know I always possessed
the accomplishment of furrowing up my face with wrinkles when I chose. I
don't doubt I could look the character pretty well, in a rich, flowing
Oriental dress. And the little Hebrew we picked up at college from our
good friend the learned young Rabbi, will also stand us in hand. Have
you any objection to being my servant, Ned?" "None at all; I shall feel
quite honored by the position. I don't consider myself compet