asp-knife. Indeed
we may omit the mention of knives in this record, for each man possessed
one as a matter of course. It was by no means a matter of course,
however, but a subject of intense gratification to at least three of the
party, that Muggins had two pipes and an unusually large supply of
tobacco. Larry also had a short black pipe and a picker, besides a
crooked sixpence, which he always kept about him "for luck," a long
piece of stout twine, and a lump of cheese. The sum total was not
great, but was extremely useful in the circumstances.

All this wealth having been collected together, it was agreed that the
biscuits, cheese, tobacco, and pipes should be common property. They
were accordingly divided with the utmost care by Will, who, by the way,
did not require a pipe as he was not a smoker. We do not record this as
an evidence of his superior purity! By no means. Will Osten, we regret
to say, was not a man of strong principle. All the principle he had,
and the good feelings which actuated him, were the result of his
mother's teaching--not of his own seeking. He did not smoke because his
mother had discouraged smoking, therefore--not having acquired the
habit--he disliked it. Thousands of men might (and would) have been
free from this habit to-day had they been affectionately dissuaded from
it in early youth. So, too, in reference to his Testament--Will always
carried it about with him, not because he valued it much for its own
sake, or read it often, but because it was the last gift he received
from his mother. It reminded him of her; besides, it was small and did
not take up much room in his pocket. Blessed influence of mothers! If
they only knew the greatness of their power, and were more impressed
with the importance of using it for the glory of God, this would be a
happier world!

The costume of these wanderers, like their small possessions, was
varied. All wore white duck trousers and blue Guernsey or cotton shirts
with sou'-westers or straw hats, but the coats and cravats differed.
Larry wore a rough pilot-cloth coat, and, being eccentric on the point,
a scarlet cotton neckerchief. Old Peter wore a blue jacket with a black
tie, loosely fastened, sailor fashion, round his exposed throat.
Muggins wore the dirty canvas jacket in which he had been engaged in
scraping down the masts of the _Rover_ when he left her. Will Osten
happened to have on a dark blue cloth shooting-coat and a white s