"VARIUM ET MUTABILE." 93 



fellow-passenger was holding out a card of 

 bone collar -studs. 



" Feesh ! " exclaimed the man excitedly. 

 He passed a. hand, that exhibited distinct traces 

 of long freedom from soap and water, over 

 the bulging outlines of the bag. The Jewish 

 desire for fresh -water fish was awakened. 



" Ah ! it is alive ! " 



The hand was hastily withdrawn, for one 

 of the tails was twitching convulsively as though 

 in resentment of the liberty. For a little 

 while the man appeared to be revolving some 

 weighty matter in his mind, and the expression 

 on his face was one of deep thoughtfulness. 

 Then, having apparently come to a decision, 

 he addressed to the custodian of the bag the 

 startling inquiry; 



" Do you Vant to sell those feesh? " 



"'No, certainly not\ ' 



The reply was curt and the tone of voice un- 

 mistakable, yet the man showed no sign of 

 annoyance and merely resumed his former 

 pensive attitude. Presently his hand stole into 

 the recesses of his coat. 



