inſtant ſaluted his old friend the gaoler of Leignitz. It was now evident that Number-Nip had taken the advantage of his nap to expedite him unperceived to his old lodgings: ‘So, Mr. Curlypate, are you caught again in your cage? how the devil didſt thou contrive to get here, man?’ ‘Why at the door to be ſure,’ replied the gaol-bird; ‘I am quite weary of rambling, ſo I thought I would e’en return to you for a quiet birth: I am in great hopes you will be ſo good as to allow me my old quarters.’ As it was impoſſible to explain how the priſoner had got back into his cell, or who had faſtened the irons upon him; Curlypate, feeling no deſire to make public his adventure on the mountain, continued boldly to maintain that he had returned of his own accord, as having the gift of going in and out of places, however ſecured by locks and bolts, and putting on or off his fetters at pleaſure. The magiſtrates were moved, by this
ſeeming
