“ SINCE we are in the way of talking of fools,” said the
Fisherman who drew the Genie out of the sea— since we
are in the way of talking of fools, I can tell you a story of
the fool of all fools, and how, one after the other, he wasted
as good gifts as a man’s ears ever heard tell of.”

“What was his name?” said the Lad who fiddled for the
Jew in the bramble-bush.

“That,” said the Fisherman, “I do not know.”

“ And what is this story about?” asked St. George.

“T7s.” said the Fisherman, “ about a hole in the ground.”

“ And is that all?” said the Soldier who cheated the
Devil.

“ Nay,” said the Fisherman, blowing a whiff from his
pipe; ‘there were some things in the hole—a bowl of
treasure, an earthenware jar,.and a pair of candlesticks.”

“ And what do you call your story?” said St. George.

“Why,” said the Fisherman, “for lack of a better name
L will call it—