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When the supposed Spæman brought back the stolen goods, the gentleman was so highly pleased with Roger, that he insisted on his remaining with him always, as he supposed he would be perfectly safe as long as he was about his house. Roger gladly embraced the offer, and in a few days took possession of a piece of land, which the gentleman had given to him in consideration of his great abilities.
Some time after this, the gentleman was relating to a large company the discovery Roger bad made, and that he could tell any thing; one of the gentlemen said he would dress a dish of meat, and bet for fifty pounds, that he could not tell what was in it, and he would allow him to taste it. The bet being taken, and the dish dressed, the gentleman sent for Roger, and told the bet was depending on him. Poor Roger did not know what to do; at last he consented to the trial. The dish being produced, he tasted it, but could not tell what it was; at last, seeing he was fairly beat, he said, gentlemen, it is a folly to talk, the fox may run a while, but he is caught at last, allowing within himself that he was found out. The gentleman that had made the bet, then confessed that it was a fox that he had dressed in the dish, at which they all shouted out in favour of the Spæman, particularly his master, who was more confident in him than ever.
Roger then went home, and so famous did he become, that no one dared take any thing but what belonged to them, fearing that the Spæman would discover on them.
THE PRIEST AND THE ROBBER.
In the province of Ulster, about fifty years ago, there lived a priest whose life was spent in administering relief to those in distress; so that by the amiableness of his character, he had gained the respect and esteem of all the country round. He was sent for to a robber to prepare him for death, and was shut up in a small chapel along with him. While endeavouring by the most pious persuasions to excite him to repentance, he observed him apparently absorbed in thought, and paying no attention to his discourse. "Are you aware," said the priest, "that you must soon appear before your great Creator?"—"I know that," returned the robber; "but I also know that you can save my life."—"How can that be?" said the priest. "You have only," rejoined the poor wretch, "to set your chair on the altar, and by your getting on it, I can reach the top by the help of your shoulders."—"And," said the priest, "do you think I shall be accessary to your
