THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SHADOW. 37 



" ' We must not remain long on the top of the hill/ said one, ' on 

 account of the damp from the ground.' ' It would be a delightful 

 thing,' cried another, * if we could have a carpet here.* Scarcely 

 was this said, when the man in grey put his hand into his pocket, 

 and brought out a magnificent Turkey carpet, bordered with gold, 

 which the servant received from him, and spread it upon the ground ; 

 but still no one took the least notice, or appealed at all surprised, 

 whilst I looked on with increased wonder and astonishment. The 

 carpet must have been full eight feet long, and I could not help 

 rubbing my eyes to see if I was really awake. Bye and bye the 

 sun burst upon the party with great intensity, by which the ladies 

 were much inconvenienced ; one of them turned to the man in grey, 

 and asked him if he would provide a tent. He answered by a pro- 

 found bow, as though it was an honour he did not anticipate. In 

 an instant he dived into his never-ending pocket, and brought out a 

 quantity of poles, cords, cloth, &c., with, which he erected a most 

 magnificient tent. On witnessing this prodigy, I began to feel a 

 coldness creep over me ; but judge of my astonishment when he took 

 out of his pocket three horses, saddled and bridled ! In truth, I 

 was not certain whether the whole was not a dream : I doubted 

 whether what I saw with my eyes was in truth a reality. 



" I now began to be apprehensive lest this mysterious being — the 

 man with the grey surtout — should exercise a power of fascination 

 over me, and I detennined at once to return if possible without 

 being observed. This appeared to be not difficult, as I had not 

 been observed by the party. I therefore resolved to return to the 

 town, and come again the following day, when I hoped to learn 

 something more of the man in grey. 



" I had already reached the plot of grass at the bottom of the hill, 

 when I looked back to see if I was observed ; what was my horror 

 when I beheld the man in grey close by my side ! He took off his 

 hat, and saluted me with more respect than he had shewn to any 

 other person. I returned his salute with equal respect, for I had 

 become like the bird fascinated by the eye of a serpent ; he appeared, 

 however, embarassed, and seemed as though he did not dare to lift 

 his eyes to mine. Several times he stept back ; at length he spoke, 

 but with an uncertain, tremulous voice — * Sir, pardon me this bold- 

 ness, if, without having the honour of knowing you, I dare to address 



