ver it, finished the discussion, and then told me our bank had stopped
payment. 'Now, Augustus,' said he, lighting his pipe with the bit of
paper, 'you see the good of having nothing to lose.'

"We did not pay quite sixpence in the pound; but my partner was thought
so unfortunate that the British public raised a subscription for
him, and he retired on an annuity, greatly respected and very much
compassionated. As I had not been so well known as a moralist, and had
not the prepossessing advantage of a bald, benevolent head, nothing was
done for me, and I was turned once more on the wide world, to moralize
on the vicissitudes of fortune. My cousin the bookseller was no more,
and his son cut me. I took a garret in Warwick Court, and with a few
books, my only consolation, I endeavoured to nerve my mind to the
future. It was at this time, Paul, that my studies really availed me.
I meditated much, and I became a true philosopher, namely, a practical
one. My actions were henceforth regulated by principle; and at some time
or other, I will convince you that the road of true morals never avoids
the pockets of your neighbour. So soon as my mind had made the grand
discovery which Mr. Asgrave had made before me, that one should live
according to a system,--for if you do wrong, it is then your system
that errs, not you,--I took to the road, without any of those stings of
conscience which had hitherto annoyed me in such adventures. I formed
one of a capital knot of 'Free Agents,' whom I will introduce to you
some day or other, and I soon rose to distinction among them. But about
six weeks ago, not less than formerly preferring byways to highways, I
attempted to possess myself of a carriage, and sell it at discount. I
was acquitted on the felony, but sent hither by Justice Burnflat on the
misdemeanour. Thus far, my young friend, hath as yet proceeded the
life of Augustus Tomlinson." The history of this gentleman made a deep
impression on Paul. The impression was strengthened by the conversations
subsequently holden with Augustus. That worthy was a dangerous and
subtle persuader. He had really read a good deal of history, and
something of morals; and he had an ingenious way of defending his
rascally practices by syllogisms from the latter, and examples from the
former. These theories he clenched, as it were, by a reference to
the existing politics of the day. Cheaters of the public, on false
pretences, he was pleased to term "moderate W