down the valley in all manner of shapes, turning over and over in
the air and melting away at last in a gush of rain.

"A very pretty business, indeed, Mr. Gluck!" said Schwartz. "Dish
the mutton, sir. If ever I catch you at such a trick again--
bless me, why, the mutton's been cut!"

"You promised me one slice, brother, you know," said Gluck.

"Oh! and you were cutting it hot, I suppose, and going to catch
all the gravy. It'll be long before I promise you such a thing
again. Leave the room, sir; and have the kindness to wait in the
coal cellar till I call you."

Gluck left the room melancholy enough. The brothers ate as much
mutton as they could, locked the rest in the cupboard, and
proceeded to get very drunk after dinner.

Such a night as it was! Howling wind and rushing rain, without
intermission. The brothers had just sense enough left to put up
all the shutters and double-bar the door before they went to bed.
They usually slept in the same room. As the clock struck twelve
they were both awakened by a tremendous crash. Their door burst
open with a violence that shook the house from top to bottom.

"What's that?" cried Schwartz, starting up in his bed.

"Only I," said the little gentleman.

The two brothers sat up on their bolster and stared into the