“The happy pair had six children, all of whom took after their mother, and promised to be tall; the oldest boy, twelve years of age, being already taller than his father, or, rather, he would have been but for the tall hat and high-heeled boots.
“Mr. Tubbs was a tailor, as I have said. One day there came into his shop a man attired with extreme shabbiness. Thomas eyed him askance.
“'Mr. Tubbs,' said the stranger, 'as you perceive, I am out at the elbows. I would like to get you to make me up a suit of clothes.'
“'Ahem!' coughed Thomas, and glanced upward at a notice affixed to the door, 'Terms, Cash.'
“The stranger's eye followed the direction of Mr. Tubbs'. He smiled.
“'I frankly confess,' he said, 'that I shall not be able to pay immediately, but, if I live, I will pay you within six months.'
“'How am I to feel sure of that?' asked the tailor, hesitating.
“'I pledge my word,' was the reply. 'You see, Mr. Tubbs, I have been sick for some time past, and that, of course, has used up my money. Now, thank Providence, I am well again, and ready to go to work. But I need clothes, as you see, before I have the ability to pay for them.'
“'As you may suppose. Now, Mr. Tubbs, what do you say? Do you think you can trust me?'
“Thomas examined the face of his visitor. He looked honest, and the little tailor had a good deal of confidence in the excellence of human nature.
“'I may be foolish,' he said at last, 'but I'll do it.'
“'A thousand thanks!' said the stranger. 'You sha'n't repent of it.'
“The cloth was selected, and Thomas set to work. In three days the suit was finished, and Thomas sat in his shop waiting for his customer. At last he came, but what a change! He was splendidly dressed. The little tailor hardly recognized him.
“'Mr. Tubbs,' said he, 'you're an honest man and a good fellow. You trusted me when I appeared penniless, but I deceived you. I am really one of the genii, of whom, perhaps, you have read, and lineally descended from those who guarded Solomon's seal. Instead of making you wait for your pay, I will recompense you on the spot, either in money or----'
“'Or I will grant the first wish that may be formed in your mind. Now choose.'
“Thomas did not take long to choose. His charge would amount to but a few dollars, while he might wish for a million. He signified his decision.