55796    However, when our turn came, the little man was more favourable to me than to any of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might have a private word with us.

55797    '"This is Mr. Jabez Wilson," said my assistant, "and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League."

55798    '"And he is admirably suited for it," the other answered.

55799    "He has every requirement.

55800    I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine."

55801    He took a step backwards, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful.

55802    Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success.

55803    '"It would be injustice to hesitate," said he.

55804    "You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution."

55805    With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain.

55806    "There is water in your eyes," said he, as he released me.

55807    "I perceive that all is as it should be.

55808    But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint.

55809    I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which would disgust you with human nature."

55810    He stepped over to the window, and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled.