riding in such a machine, Mr. Priest, does not comport with my notion of dignity.”  “Your excellence,” replied the priest, “must remember that there are various opinions as to what constitutes true dignity.  For myself, I hold to Saint Peter’s notion, that a man may maintain his dignity, though clothed in sackcloth.  And since no really great ambassador ever thought of travelling in any other manner, I think you may venture to follow their example, without fear of damaging your dignity.”  This so completely reconciled the general, that he declared all his objections removed, and enjoined the priest not to think him a whit behind any ambassador he might have in his eye.  But Mr. Tickler was seriously discomfitted.  “Pray,” said he, with an air of great anxiety, “will your reverence be good enough to say how I am to accompany his excellency, for I am a poor critic, and know but little of these affairs.”

“Secretaries,” rejoined the priest, “follow their masters, mounted on a mule, and he in turn is followed by two renegades, similarly mounted; the priest following, mounted on an ass.  And this is strictly in accordance with an ancient custom, for the priest being necessary to the strict morality of the train, it is becoming that he should humble himself.”  Mr. Tickler shook his head, and was evidently much disappointed at the shabby position he was to occupy in the train.  Indeed, he wished himself back in New York a dozen times, and swore he would consider it a kindness if the devil had his secretaryship.  Encouraged, however, with extravagant promises of what the future might have in store for him, he betook himself diligently in writing long and very eulogistic articles to the New York newspapers, in which he described the great deference paid them by the officers during the voyage, the wonderful reception at Buzabub, the great resources of the country, and the immense advantages that must resnlt from this mission.  Nor did Tickler forget to mention that General Roger Potter was exactly the man to effect all our objects.  Three whole days did the cunning critic occupy in the preparation of these marvellous accounts; which were so well larded with Latin quotations that the writers for “Putnam” went into ecstacies of delight over their great literary merits.

During this time the general became a lion of no small dimensions, and whether mounted on old Battle, or afoot, was so great an object of attraction that a swarm of urchins, from the smallest toddler in his buff to the more mature imp of fourteen, persisted in following close at his heels, presenting him with pomegranates and plantains, and, indeed, offering him such salutations as their instincts directed; for they fancied him the great school-master they had been told would one day come from the East to teach them how to be great men.