“’Tis mine—and there’s the money!” exclaimed the former, as if delighted with his purchase. “And you are quite sure it is decidedly the stupidest book in existence?” he added.
“I am positive,” replied the other.
“Inestimable treasure!” cried the collector, clasping the volume in an ecstasy. “Now has the Posthumous Library a jewel which the whole world could not rival. Have you anything else?”
“Here is an unique copy of a very rare work, called ‘The Philosophy of Flea-catching,’ in sheets, clean and uncut. The learned Scribble-gossip says that this volume has now become so scarce that there is only one other copy extant, which is in the public library in India. This, however, has one important advantage over the other, which renders it of incalculably more value; for, if you notice, it has the Finis at the end printed backwards.”
“Wonderful!” muttered his patron, as he noticed the extraordinary feature. “And what shall I pay you for it?”
“Only ten guineas, sir.”
“There they are; and much reason will posterity have to congratulate itself that I am the fortunate possessor of ‘The Philosophy of Flea-catching,’ with the Finis printed backwards.”
“Exactly so, sir, exactly. Your observations are always full of meaning. I wish you good morning.”
“Good morning, Catalogue, good morning—and mind you show me everything rare that comes into your possession,” cried Posthumous.
“Depend upon it, sir, you shall always have the first refusal,” replied Catalogue; and he took his departure.