“King of HUNGARY,” said he, “are you aware that you cannot possibly rely upon your German neighbour, because the KAISER has a secret understanding with the CZAR, by which the Principalities will be included in Russian territory, and the Rhine secured from French invasion?”

“No, I have not heard it,” was the answer; “and, if it had been the case, I imagine that—­”

But again the Traveller left without waiting for the completion of the sentence, and went his way telling everyone he met the disquieting intelligence.  And consequently, the Austro-Hungarian peoples were greatly troubled.

And now the Traveller was in the presence of the Emperor of ALL THE RUSSIAS.  Again he had obtained admission without the preliminary of an official introduction.

“Little Father,” said the Traveller, “are you aware that your youthful relative in Berlin is coquetting with France and England, and you may find the whole of Europe marshalled against you?”

“Well, no I have not heard it,” returned the CZAR; “and I really think—­”

But the Traveller never learned what the CZAR really thought, for he was away before His Imperial Majesty had completed the sentence.  And as he went away, after his usual fashion, he spread the disquieting intelligence, and consequently the Russian people were greatly troubled.

And now the Traveller was in Cairo.  He presented himself before the KHEDIVE without waiting for the English adviser.

“Your Highness, do you know that the British Army of occupation is on the eve of departure?” said he.

“What, in spite of Lord ROSEBERY going to the Foreign Office!” exclaimed the SULTAN’s vassal, in a tone of considerable astonishment.

“Of course,” replied the visitor.  “Everything was settled long ago, and before Christmas there won’t be a red-coat in Egypt!”

“Indeed,” returned His Highness, “I certainly have not heard it, and I fancy—­”

But the Traveller departed without ascertaining the drift of the KHEDIVE’s fancies, and on his road, strictly according to precedent, spread the disquieting intelligence, and consequently the Egyptian people were greatly troubled.

And now the Traveller was once more back in London.  He entered Capel Court and rested himself.  He said nothing.  It was unnecessary, for he was well known, and his stories had already been discounted.

“Ah, my little friend RUMOUR,” said Mr. BULLBEAR; “you have come back again!  And now you can rest for awhile, until we want you after the next account.”

So RUMOUR is waiting in the Stock Exchange until he is wanted after the next account!

* * * * *

LETTERS TO ABSTRACTIONS.

NO.  XIV.—­TO SWAGGER.