was a cast of the Laocoon, the wretched father and his children writhing in the folds of the terrible serpents: cruel must have been the eye and heart of the sculptor who thus made agony his triumph. Against the wall leant an Egyptian mummy; part of the yellow linen had been unveiled, and a spectral likeness of humanity glared from between the bandages. Near it was one of the frightful idols of the Mexicans—a many-headed snake, whose crimson jaws seemed yet red with their human sacrifice: and in a corner stood some quivers of poisoned Indian arrows, and a gigantic battle-axe. To the left were terrific-looking engines, labelled as models of the instruments of torture found in the Inquisition.
Charles was allowed little time to gaze by the impatient auctioneer, who pointed at once to the shagreen skin, which lay on a black oak table. He read the inscription; and a strange feeling of vague belief, and desire for its possession, entered his heart. One wish for wealth, and then every enjoyment was at his feet; and truly, a few years of life were a slight sacrifice, considering that they would be taken from his old age. Not that he believed in any such nonsense—still, he should like to try. The auctioneer had been watching his eager look, as one accustomed to drive a hard bargain eyes his customer: his whole plan of action was arranged. A plum being his own ultimatum of fortune and felicity, he supposed that would also be the aim of his visitor: twenty per cent was in
E 2
