"That is the name she goes by. Perhaps you would like to see her? If you cross her palm with a piece of silver she will tell your fortune." "I suppose that's the way you live--by telling fortunes?" "That and selling fancywork. Come, I will introduce you to Miriam." As Dick was curious to see the woman who was at the head of this small tribe of gypsies, he followed his conductor, and was taken into the hut. Miriam proved to be a woman of middle age, whose features were not unpleasant. She had raven black hair streaming down her back, and an eye as dark as a sloe. Her attire was shabby, with the exception of a bright-colored shawl worn carelessly across her shoulders. The man spoke to her in a strange tongue, and she regarded Dick with some attention. "You are a brave-looking boy," she said. "Shall I tell your fortune? Come, cross my hand with silver, and I will see what the future holds in store for you." Dick wasn't particularly curious about his future, and he rather doubted the ability of the woman to foretell anything of importance. However, he concluded to help the tribe along to the extent of a silver quarter, so he pulled the coin out and placed it in her hand. "Your left hand," she said. Dick presented it. She pored over the lines and mounds, which palmistry teaches mean so much, for a minute or more before speaking again. "You were born of parents in moderate circumstances, and you are the youngest of four children," she said. "That's hitting the mark pretty close," he thought. "I wonder how she can get that out of my hand?" "One of your parents is dead," she continued, "and it seems to be your father." "Another good guess," thought Dick. "You had to go to work young, about your fourteenth year." "That's right," admitted the boy. "Maybe you can tell me what business I am engaged in?" "It is something genteel--a clerk in a store or office. You have been in danger twice within the last three years from evil-disposed persons. You are fated to make many friends, some of whom will help you forward in life, but your success will make enemies--you have already made three, two of whom have had something to do with the peril in which you have been placed. Since then life has run smoother with you, but beware, there is trouble hanging over you now." "Trouble!" exclaimed Dick. "I see none ahead." "Trouble comes when we are not looking for it." "Well, give me a pointer on it. You ought to be able to tip me off how to get out of it." "Beware of a tall, dark man and a short, light woman." "That's rather indefinite." "There is a connection between them and your business." "My business, eh? This is getting interesting." The woman frowned and changed the subject. "You have a sweetheart and you are closer to her now than usual. She is the bright star of your life--whom you will marry. Three children will bless your marriage, and you will pass a large part of your life in the country."