Frank and Joe.—The twenty numbers of Harper's Young People containing the story of "Toby Tyler" will cost you eighty cents. By sending $1 to Messrs. Harper & Brothers you may obtain Toby Tyler in a beautiful bound volume, handsomely illustrated.
Salt.—Yes, Daisy, you are right in your supposition that people in very old times were alarmed if any one spilled salt on the table at a meal. It was fancied that the unlucky accident was the sign of a quarrel between two of the company. However, I attach no importance to such signs, even when they are ancient, and if you came to dine with me, and the salt-cellar happened to be upset, I would not trouble for our friendship.
Among the Arabs salt is regarded as sacred, and if you happen to be the guest of a Bedouin, who meeting you in the desert would rob you and be glad of the chance, you are perfectly safe if you share his bread and salt; he will protect you against all enemies. You see, that salt among these wild people is the emblem of hospitality. The Romans thought it unfortunate to sit down at a feast where the salt had been forgotten. The Greeks had the same feeling. It was also considered very thoughtless to leave salt unlocked overnight.
I hope, Daisy dear, that while reading and studying about these curious superstitions you will take care not to believe in them yourself.
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