They were wonderfully pleased with
this suggestion, and forthwith determined to try the experiment;
though, as they understood the apparition would be produced to one
only at a time, they could not immediately agree in the choice of
the person who should stand the first brunt of the magician's skill.
While each of them severally excused himself from this preference on
various pretences, Peregrine readily undertook the post, expressing
great confidence of the conjurer's incapacity to give him the least
cause of apprehension.
This point being settled, they detached one of their number to
Crabtree, in order to bespeak and adjust the hour and terms of the
operation, which he insisted upon performing at his own apartment,
where everything was prepared for the occasion. At the appointed
time, they went thither in a body, to the number of seven, in full
expectation of detecting the impostor; and were received with such
gloomy formality, as seemed to have an effect upon the countenances
of some among them; though they were encouraged by the vivacity
of Pickle, who affected a double share of petulance, for the more
effectual accomplishment of his purpose.
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