the
first time: here's ten shillings for you, and we'll let you know when we
want you to be on the lookout for us."

Ten shillings! and five before--fifteen shillings! I felt as I were a
rich man; all scruples of conscience were, for the time, driven away. I
hurried home rattling the silver in my pocket, and opening the door
softly, I crept to bed. Did I say my prayers that night? No!!

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I am tempted again--My Pride is roused, and my Course of Life is
changed in consequence.

I passed a dreaming restless night, and woke early. I recalled all that
had passed, and I felt very much dissatisfied with myself; the fifteen
shillings, with the added prospect of receiving more, did not yield me
the satisfaction I had anticipated. From what the men had said about old
Nanny I thought that I would go and see her; and why? because I wished
support against my own convictions. If I had not been actuated by such a
feeling I should, as usual, have gone to old Anderson. When I went down
to breakfast I felt confused, and I hardly dared to meet the clear
bright eye of my little sister, and I wished the fifteen shillings out
of my pocket. That I might appear to her and my mother as if I were not
guilty, I swaggered; my sister was surprised, and my mother justifiably
angry. As soon as breakfast was over, I hastened to old Nanny's.

"Well, Jack," said she, "what brings you here so early?"

"Why, mother, I was desired to ask you a question last night--between
ourselves."

"Well, why don't you ask it, since it's between ourselves?" replied she,
with surprise.

"Some of the people want to know if you _fence_ now?"

"Jack," said old Nanny, harshly, "who asked you that question, and how
did you fall into their company? Tell me directly; I will know."

"Why, mother, is there any harm in it?" replied I, confused and holding
down my head.

"Harm in it! Ask your own conscience, Jack, whether there's harm in it.
Why do you not look me in the face like an honest boy? Would they have
dared to put that question to you, if you had not been a party to their
evil deeds, Jack?" continued she, shaking her head. "I thought better of
you; now you have filled me full of sorrow."

I was smitten to the heart at this rebuke from a quarter whence I did
not expect it; but my heart was still rebellious, and I would not
acknowledge what I felt. I thought to turn the tables, and replied,
"Why, mother, at all events they