the said angel having its wings pinioned to the ceiling, its body in the attitude of descending, and its right hand gracefully raised above the globe, spreading its prismatic glows over the whole, did indeed make the scene resplendent of luxury.  The man carelessly seated himself at a table that stood in the centre of the room, threw the hat he had declined yielding to the negro on the floor beside him, rested the elbow of his left arm on the table, and his head in his hand, as with the fingers of his right hand did he fret the long silvery beard that bedecked his chin, and contemplate with eager gaze the scene around him.  “Yea, the man-seller hath, with his spoils of greed, gotten him a gorgeous mansion; even he liveth like a prince, his head resteth more in peace, and because he hath great wealth of crime men seek to honour him.  The rich criminal hath few to fear; but hard is the fate of him who hath not the wherewith to be aught but a poor one!” he muttered to himself, as the door opened, and the well-rounded figure of Graspum whisked into the room.  The negro bowed politely, and closed the door after him, as the stranger’s eye flashed upon his old acquaintance, who, bedecked somewhat extravagantly, and with a forced smile on his subtle countenance, advanced rubbing his hands one over the other, making several methodical bows, to which the stranger rose, as he said, “Most happy am I to see you, Major!  Major Blake, I believe, I have the pleasure of receiving?” Here the stranger interpolated by saying his name was not Blake, but Blank:  the other apologised, said he was just entertaining a small but very select circle of friends; nevertheless, always chose to follow the maxim of “business before pleasure.”  Again he bustled about, worked his fingers with a mechanical air, frisked them through his hair, with which he covered the bald surface of his head, kept his little keen eyes leering apprehensively on what he deemed a ripe customer, whom he bid keep his seat.  To an invitation to lay off his cloak the stranger replied that it was of no consequence.  “A planter just locating, if I may be permitted to suggest?” enquired Graspum, taking his seat on the opposite side of the table.  “No!” returned the other, emphatically; “but I have some special business in your line.”  The man of business, his face reddening of anxiety, rose quickly from his seat, advanced to what seemed a rosewood cabinet elaborately carved, but which was in reality an iron safe encased with ornamental wood, and from it drew forth a tin case, saying, as he returned and set it upon the table, “Lots from one to five were sold yesterday at almost fabulous prices-never was the demand for prime people better; but we have Lots (here he began to disgorge invoices) six, seven, eight, and nine left; all containing the primest of people!  Yes, sir, let me assure you, the very choicest of the market.”  He would have the customer examine the invoices himself, and in the morning the live stock may be seen at his