A Young Man in a light suit, and a paste pin in a dirty white necktie, has arrived with a chest, from which he extracts a quantity of small parcels in coloured tissue-paper. _The Young Man_ (_as a group collects around him_). Now, I'm 'ere to orfer those among yer who 'ave the courage to embark in speckilation an unrivalled opportunity of enriching themselves at next to no expense. Concealed in each o' these small porcels is a prize o' more or less value, amongst them bein', I may tell yer, two 'undred threepenny pieces, not to mention 'igher coins up to 'arf a sov'rin. Mind, I promise nothing--I only say this: that those who show confidence in me I'll reward beyond their utmost expectations.( _To an_ Agricultural Labourer _in the circle._) 'Ere, you Sir, 'ave you ever seen me before in all your life? [Illustration: "Concealed in each o' these small porcels is a prize o' more or less value."] _The Agricultural Labourer_ (_with a conscientious fear of committing himself_). I _may_ 'ave. _The Young Man._ You _may_ 'ave! '_Ave_ you? 'Ave _I_ ever seen _you_? Come now! _The Agr. L._ (_cautiously_). I carn't answer fur what you've _seen_, Sir. _The Y. M._ Well, are you a friend o' mine? _The A. L._ (_after inward searchings_). Not as I'm aweer on. _The Y. M._ Then take this packet.(_The_ A. L. _grins and hesitates._) Give me a penny for it.(_The_ A. L. _hangs back._) Do as I _say_! (_His tone is so peremptory that the_ A. L. _hastens to obey._) Now don't open that till I tell you, and don't go away--or I shall throw the money after yer. (_The_ A. L. _remains in meek expectation;_ Old Billy Fairplay, _and a_ Spotty-faced Man, _happen to pass; and join the group out of innocent curiosity._) Will _you_ give me a penny for this, Sir? (_To the Spotty-faced One, who shakes his head._) To oblige Me! (_This is said in such an insinuating tone, that it is impossible to resist him._) Now you've shown your confidence in me, will you open that packet and show the company what it contains. _The Spotty-faced Man_ (_undoing the packet_). There's nothink inside o' mine--it's a reg'lar do! [_Roars of laughter._ _The Y. M._ Quite right--there _was_ nothink inside o' thet partickler packet. I put it there a-purpose, as a test. But I don't want nobody to go away dissatisfied with my manner o' doin' business, and, though I ain't promised yer nothing, I'll show yer I'm better than my word, and them as trusts me'll find no reason to repent of 'aving done so. 'Ere's your original penny back, Sir, and one, two, _three_ more atop of that--wait, I ain't done with yer yet--'ere's sixpence more, because I've took a fancy to yer face--and _now_ I 'ope you're satisfied! _The Sp.-F. M._ (_in an explanatory undertone to his neighbours_). I knew it's on'y them as comes last thet gits left, d' yer see! [_Several bystanders hasten to purchase._ _Old Billy Fairplay_ (_in an injured tone_). There ain't on'y a three-penny-bit in mine!