FEEBLE JOHN 95

Do this, therefore, with boldness, and practice °
will make you perfect. But the beauty of
this banjo is that whenever you put it under
your left arm, you will be invisible, which you
will sometimes find of the greatest advantage.
One, and only one other gift I must be-
stow upon you: it is this plain gold ring,
which you will find is an exact fit upon your
little finger. If you are in any great trouble
or difficulty, and the power of the banjo is
not sufficient, place the finger with the ring
upon it lengthways against your nose, and
say audibly the word “ Firminger.” If your
trouble does not shortly vanish, my name is
not Feeble John.’

Here the wise man stopped, end Prince
Filderkin began to thank him as warmly as
he could. But the magician waved his
hand in the air, and told him to reserve
his thanks until he had tried the means
with which he had supplied him and had
found that they proved as successful as he
expected.