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 to our own
prudence. Now hear what I have to say. You will be as much assisted by
a _trusty_ valet as by any other means. I shall, as a gentleman, be
only an expense and an incumbrance; but as a valet I shall be able to
play into your hands, at the same time more than one half the expense
will be avoided. With your leave, therefore, I will take my proper
situation, put on your livery, and thereby make myself of the greatest
use."

I could not help acknowledging the advantages to be derived from this
proposal of Timothy's; but I did not lik