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"Then let me wet my lips, and I will tell you what has happened

to-day." He filled the glass, swallowed its contents, and

continued: "To-day, my dear friends, little was wanting to make

the tumult worse than yesterday. And I can hardly believe that I

am here to tell you, for I had nearly given up all thoughts of

coming, that I might stay to guard my shop."

"What was the matter, then?" said one of his auditors.