We all looked at each other, but my young neighbor, still in the same mocking manner, replied:
"You will do that, will you?"
"Yes," said the other—"I will stake these fifty guineas, on condition that you will pay a similar sum if you lose."
After a short silence, the young man said, gayly:
"Fifty guineas, my worthy sorcerer, are more than a poor college sizar ever possessed; but here are five, which, if you are satisfied, I shall be most willing to wager."
The other took up his purse, saying, in a contemptuous tone:
"Young gentleman, you wish to draw back?"
"I draw back!" exclaimed the student.—"Well! if I had the fifty guineas, you should see whether I wish to draw back!"
"Here," said I, "are four guineas, which I will stake on your wager."
No sooner had I made this proposition than the rest of the company, attracted by the singularity of the affair, came forward to lay down their money; and in a minute or two the fifty guineas were subscribed. The merchant appeared so sure of winning, that he placed all the stakes in the student's hands, and prepared for his experiment. We selected for the purpose a small summer-house in the garden, perfectly isolated, and having no means of exit but a window and a door, which we carefully fastened, after placing the young man within. We put writing materials on a small table in the summer-house, and took away the candles. We remained outside, with the peddler among us. In a low solemn voice he began to chant the following lines: