a fool, that I could not be
expected to know the fact, or to guide myself aright in opposition to
and despite of my own folly, and you ought to have forced me to study
when I declined to be led--bah! it's too late to say all this now.
Come, if there is any manhood in me worthy of the name, let me set to
work at once and make the most of what is left to me!"

Edwin reflected with complacency on the fact that one part of what was
left to him was a tall strong frame and broad shoulders, but his
judgment told him that though these were blessings not to be despised,
and for which he had every reason to be thankful, he ought not to plume
himself too much on them, seeing that he shared them in common with
numerous prize-fighters and burglars, besides which they could not prove
of very much value professionally unless he took to mining or
coal-heaving. He also reflected sadly on the fact that beyond the three
R's, a little Latin and French, and a smattering of literary knowledge,
he was little better than a red Indian. Being, as we have said, a
resolute fellow, he determined to commence a course of study without
delay, but soon found that the necessity of endeavouring to obtain a
situation and of economising his slender fortune interfered sadly with
his efforts. However, he persevered.

In the time of his prosperity, young Gurwood had made many friends, but
a touch of pride had induced him to turn aside from these--although many
of them would undoubtedly have been glad to aid him in his aims--to quit
the house of his childhood and betake himself to the flourishing town of
Clatterby, where he knew nobody except one soft amiable little
school-fellow, whom in boyish days he had always deemed a poor,
miserable little creature, but for whom nevertheless he entertained a
strong affection. We need scarcely say that this was Joseph Tipps, the
clerk at Langrye station.

CHAPTER FIVE.

AN ACCIDENT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

Locomotives and telegraphy are mere snails compared to thought. Let us
therefore use our advantage, reader, stride in advance of the 6:30 p.m.
train (which by the way has now become a 7:45 p.m. train), and see what
little Joseph Tipps is doing.

There he stands--five feet four in his highest-heeled boots--as sterling
and warm-hearted a little man as ever breathed. He was writing at a
little desk close to a large window, which, owing to the station being a
temporary one and its roof low, was flimsy, and ca