life, upon investigating the secrets of the past, or
searching into futurity, the Wanderer would give his mighty assistance.
By books and science, by spells and conjurations, the POWERS were
compelled to reveal their arcana, and FATE itself whispered its dark
mysteries into his ear. The SPIRITS being subjects of the Great
Magician, their aid would be called in when desired. Where this mode was
preferred to the ordinary methods of consulting the stars, the Cabala,
and black-letter volumes, these intelligences answered all questions by
significant RAPS, or in writing, guiding the hand of the Wanderer, who
acted as their medium."

The first day that the advertisement appeared, no visitors of any
distinction came to see the Wanderer, who yawned, and smoked cigars, and
read through the last novel, declaring that it was intolerable to be
dressed up for a show, and to have nobody come to see them. But in the
evening, they were rewarded for their trouble. There was a quick,
nervous ring, and Barrington opened the door: a timid little man walked
in, looking back over his shoulder to see if he were observed. When he
found himself alone with Barrington, he asked, with some surprise, if he
were the Great Magician. "I! oh, no, my lord: far be it from me. I am
the humblest of his slaves. I will see if my venerable master can now
receive you." Opening the door leading into a back apartment, he made a
low salam to the Wanderer, who was seated in state upon a divan,
immersed in his studies. Addressing him in Hebrew, with a few words of
Greek to make out the sense, he received a response which he interpreted
to the newcomer as a permission to approach the august presence. The
little man went in, feeling at every step an increase of reverential
awe. The Oriental, costumed with all magnificence, his hoary head bent
with age, his brow, from beneath which black eyes flashed brightly,
furrowed with years and care, filled him with admiration. Every thing
around heightened the impression. A curious-carved cabinet, whose doors
looked as if they concealed a mystery, was surmounted by folio volumes
filled, of course, with potent spells: and above these again, a skull
and cross-bones made him shudder. In one corner was a globe, covered
with strange figures, dragons, scorpions, distressed damsels fastened to
a rock, etc. Scattered about the room were singular instruments of
various kinds, jars with hideous snakes preserved in spirits, books in
unkn