‘For the matter of _that_,’ said an active little man with twinkling eyes, ‘you need be under no uneasiness whatever. I defy you to invent more mischief here than we have already, for we are all more or less at enmity with our neighbours; and as our fathers and grandfathers were the same, we conclude it must be owing to something that can’t be changed; for instance, the air or water of our town; so set your heart at rest, and come along with us, and we’ll take care of you.’ ‘Well,’ rejoined the stranger, ‘I am very glad indeed to hear what you say of your own town; for to be candid with you, it’s exactly what I heard of you all as I came along, and this made me think that in a place where all were mischief-makers and busybodies already, I could have nothing to do but (for once in my life) live in peace. However, don’t trust me—that’s all I have to say—and if any evil arises from my visit, turn me out, and I’ll seek a home elsewhere.’ An old Brahmin had come up in time to hear this avowal. ‘’Tis very strange,’ said the wise man. ‘This fellow is surely a magician, and may set all the rocks of Shorapoor dancing and tumbling about our ears, some day. Turn him instantly away, or it may be the worse for us all.’ ‘No, no,’ shouted the multitude. ‘That would be inhospitable. Let him remain, and we shall soon see what he can do.’ The little active man now came forward again, and said slyly, ‘Sir, if you really _are_ such a mischief-maker as you describe yourself to be, suppose you were to give us a little specimen of your power,—just some trifling matter to judge by.’ ‘What, _now_?’ said the stranger. ‘Aye, _now_!’ exclaimed all; ‘and the sooner the better.’ ‘Well, be it so,’ said he; ‘let me put up my things and come along!’ And with this he arose, packed up, girded on his sword, and strode majestically forward, followed by a crowd continually increasing as they advanced further into the town. ‘Now don’t push or press upon me so much,’ said the stranger; ‘but observe what I do, and watch the consequences.’ So they let him proceed, and as he advanced, they soon perceived that he was forming some deep plan, particularly as he paused every now and then, with his forefinger between his teeth, and nodded, and wagged his head, as much as to say, ‘I have it!’ Upon which he made straight for a shop kept by a man who sold flour and such like things, and accosting the dealer, inquired with great civility, whether he had any _honey_? ‘That I have, Sir,’ replied the shop-keeper, ‘plenty fresh from the comb; only taste it, and I’m sure you’ll buy. Here, Sir; look at this beautiful jar, full of the finest honey that was ever seen in Shorapoor.’ ‘It looks well,’ replied the stranger, dipping his hand in; ‘and does not taste amiss:’ saying which he gave his finger a careless kind of shake; but he knew right well what he was about, as a little lump stuck upon the outer wall.