very
little money when we started upon our expedition, and now we have
sufficient to enable you to prosecute your plans for a long time. The
question is, in what direction? We quitted London, and travelled west,
in imitation, as we thought, of the _wise men_. With all deference, in
my opinion, it was like _two fools_."

"I have been thinking upon that point also, Tim, and I agree with you. I
expect, from several causes, which you know as well as I do, to find my
father among the higher classes of society; and the path we took when we
started has led us into the very lowest. It appears to me that we cannot
do better than retrace our steps. We have the means now to appear as
gentlemen, and to mix in good company, and London is the very best place
for us to repair to."

"That is precisely my opinion, Japhet, with one single exception, which
I will mention to you; but first tell me, have you calculated what our
joint purses may amount to? It must be a very considerable sum."

I had not examined the packet in which was the money which Melchior had
given me at parting. I now opened it, and found, to my surprise, that
there were Bank notes to the amount of one hundred pounds. I felt that
he had given me this large sum that it might assist me in Fleta's
expenses. "With this sum," said I, "I cannot have much less than two
hundred and fifty pounds."

"And I have more than sixty," said Timothy. "Really, the profession was
not unprofitable."

"No," replied I, laughing; "but recollect, Tim, that we had no outlay.
The public provided us with food, our lodging cost us nothing. We have
had no taxes to pay; and at the same time have taxed folly and credulity
to a great extent."

"That's true, Japhet; and although I am glad to have the money, I am not
sorry that we have abandoned the profession."

"Nor am I, Tim; if you please, we will forget it altogether. But tell
me, what was the exception you were about to make?"

"Simply this. Although upwards of three hundred pounds may be a great
deal of money, yet, if we are to support the character and appearance of
gentlemen, it will not last for ever. For instance, we must have our
_valets_. What an expense that will be! Our clothes too--we shall soon
lose our rank and station in society, without we obtain a situation
under government."

"We must make it last as long as we can, Timothy; and trust to good
fortune to assist us."

"That's all very well, Japhet; but I had rather trust