and enjoining him to be comforted, slipped a piece of gold into his hand.  And this quickly proved that such medicine went to the right place, and was a sure panacea with officials for the ills of impatience.  Indeed, so ready was the official to serve him, when this medicine had taken effect, that in addition to being purged of all his impatience, I verily believe he would have accompanied the major to the devil, (if his inclinations had taken a turn that way,) so great was his condescension and readiness to serve him.

They now proceeded to the Astor, where they found the landlord in his usual good humor, and so glad to see the major that, after shaking him heartily by the hand, he would fain enter his name upon the register as a guest at his house.  “It is many years since we met, sir, and fortune, though it has given me no money, has done something for us both,” said the major, when they had sufficiently exchanged compliments.

“Truly, I am glad to see you looking so well, major; as for the money, pray do what you can for us; for our house has been a place of comfort for military men and politicians.  And I know you will take no offence when I say that ‘no money’ is the cry with which they raise their voices to us.”

“Upon my soul, sir,” interrupted the major, swaying his shoulders, “it is not becoming of them to do so with a man of your generosity.”

“You have my thanks,” rejoined the landlord, with a smile.  “I may say, we wish our guests well, and do cheerfully what we can to make the voyage of life pleasant.”  And while they were thus addressing one another, and endeavoring to outdo in compliments, the official took up his position a few paces aside, and amused himself by twirling on his heel.

“Indulgence well directed, sir,” resumed the major, looking askance at the landlord, “produces wonderful effects.  And, sir, if you will just please to bestow it in this instance, it will settle the little matter between us, and preserve our friendship.  I confess, being a straightforward, honest man, that too many years have passed since your great generosity permitted me to become your debtor.  But such, sir, is the condition of my financial affairs, that though I have popularity enough for any politician, I swear by my military reputation that I have not now a dollar in my pocket, and as my wife, Polly Potter, used to say, you can’t get butter out of a pine tree.”

“I assure you, sir,” rejoined the landlord, “it was not our intention to give you trouble, and so quiet your apprehensions.”

“And now, sir,” exclaimed the major, grasping the landlord warmly by the hand, “I see you are a philosopher; for though you might lock me up, (being your property in law,) and cause my wife Polly to bewail my fate, you would also lock up my prospects, which are your hopes.  Remember, sir, I am a soldier who has fought many battles, and have scars enough to satisfy any man that I am an honorable gentleman.