At last my host entered, closed the door, and, rubbing his hands, said:
"Now I am at your service. Excuse me for leaving you alone a few moments. I have settled my business, and we will have a cigar together, if you like."
So saying, he opened the door of a small cupboard made in the wall, and cleverly hidden by a picture of "John Knox imploring Mary Stuart to abjure the Catholic faith." It was, as you see, rather a mysterious library. From this cupboard he took some glasses—and something to fill them agreeably withal. Then, without betraying the slightest embarrassment, without a smile or a glance, he brought the twin volumes which had so astonished me, and laid them on the table. I had the pleasure of making closer acquaintance with the cigars, that seemed to bring a recommendation from Moses and the prophets.
An anecdote on the ready wit of Donald:
He meets his pastor, who remonstrates with him upon the subject of his intemperate habits.
"You are too fond of whisky, Donald; you ought to know very well that whisky is your enemy."
"But, minister, have you not often told us that we ought to love our enemies?" says Donald, slyly.
"Yes, Donald; but I never told you that you should swallow them," replies the pastor, who was as witty as his parishioner.