in Search of 
 A Father 
 
 Illustrated 
 H.M.Brock 
 
 HHI 
 
 HIM 
 
LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 GIFT OF 
 
 - 
 
 -*- - 
 
 : ^ 
 
CAPTAIN MARRYAT, 
 
X'VK^ ^ ^~" 
 PJLJJ+. 
 
 'Asked me whether the spirit did not move me to get down.' P. 336. 
 
JAPHET 
 
 IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 BY 
 
 CAPTAIN MARRYAT 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY HENRY M. BROCK 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY DAVID HANNAY 
 
 MACMILLAN AND CO. 
 
 AND LONDON 
 1895 
 
' //>/ ** "-' >/ 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1895, 
 BY MACMILLAN AND CO. 
 
 J. S. Gushing & Co. Berwick & Smith. 
 Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. 
 
773 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 WE may sometimes hear it said that the boys of this gener- 
 ation do not enjoy Marry at. There is a similar report that 
 they no longer take pleasure in Scott, Dumas, or Robinson 
 Crusoe. If the report is to be believed the only comment 
 to be made upon it is, so much the worse for the boys of 
 this generation, and so much the worse for them, too, when 
 they grow to be men. They are depriving themselves of a 
 great future pleasure, for there are few better ways of con- 
 tinuing to enjoy something of one's youth than to be able 
 to return to what one delighted in, while it lasted, with the 
 same feelings. This repetition of a very old observation is 
 not made with any hope of persuading the boys of to-day to 
 be wise enough to enjoy what is for their good as well as 
 their pleasure. The lad who does not like Marryat, Dumas, 
 Defoe, or Scott of his own free will and mere notion, will 
 not be talked into wisdom, and must be left to his fate. 
 For Marryat' s sake, however, it is to be hoped that the story 
 is not true. He did not until towards the end of his life 
 write expressly for the young, though when he did he pro- 
 duced in Masterman Ready one of the best of his works; 
 but there is this amount of truth in the mistaken estimate 
 which classes him among the writers of boys' books, that he 
 is best enjoyed by those who had the good fortune to begin 
 
 vii 
 j,-> * \^> f^ f\ 
 
 4' i NC ' O O 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 all but cut short at the very beginning. The Imperieuse, 
 having been ordered to sea by a too impatient Port-Admiral 
 before her stores were properly stowed, was driven in a gale 
 on the rocks round Ushant, and only escaped total ship- 
 wreck by a miracle of luck. From 1806 to 1809 she was 
 continually on the move from the eastern end of the 
 Pyrenees round to the Basque Roads, except for intervals 
 during which her captain, who was a member of Parliament, 
 was attending to his duties in the House of Commons. 
 When at sea Cochrane was one of the most indefatigable of 
 officers, and, moreover, a master of all the minor operations 
 of naval warfare. The crew of the Imperieuse was never 
 idle. There were few French warships at sea to fight, but 
 the privateers gave abundant occasion for cutting out 
 expeditions. When the Peninsular War began in 1808 this 
 work was varied by landing parties on the Mediterranean 
 coast of Spain to harass the French troops on the march, 
 or help in the defence of Spanish posts. The attack on the 
 French ships in the Basque Roads in April 1809 ended 
 Cochrane' s command of the Imperieuse, as he broke his 
 career as a naval officer in the English service by insisting 
 upon bringing his admiral to a court martial. Marryat's 
 novels show that he had been profoundly influenced by the 
 strongly- marked character of the very able man under whom 
 he had the good fortune to serve for nearly three years. 
 He remained in the Imperieuse until he was invalided, 
 together with a multitude of others, sailors and soldiers, 
 officers and men, by marsh fever in the unhappy Walcheren 
 expedition. 
 
 In 1812 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. 
 During the two years preceding his promotion he served in 
 the Centaur, Sir Samuel Hood's flagship in the Mediter- 
 ranean, and then in the dLolus and the Spartan in the West 
 
 x 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Indies. In 1813 he returned to the same station as 
 lieutenant of the Espiegle sloop, but was invalided home in 
 consequence of the breaking of a blood-vessel. It was an 
 accident to which he was liable owing to some constitutional 
 weakness. The following year, however, saw him in active 
 service on the North American station as lieutenant of the 
 Newcastle, which was engaged in chasing American cruisers 
 to no great purpose. Marryat has recorded in his pamphlet 
 on the Press, that she was not less than one hundred men 
 short of her proper complement, because the crew deserted 
 in detachments. His experience in this vessel made him 
 an enemy of the system of impressment, and in 1822 he 
 thought out a plan for replacing it by a species of modified 
 conscription. The pamphlet is said, though not on very good 
 authority, to have offended William IV. It is not without 
 interest to the student of naval history, though the scheme it 
 contains was never seriously considered. With a very obvious 
 inconsistency Marryat, who begins by laying it down as an 
 undeniable proposition, that what made service in the navy 
 repugnant to the seamen was the fact that they were 
 compelled to enter, recommends the replacing of one 
 system of compulsion by another. He proposed to exempt 
 all apprentices from the Press during seven years instead of 
 the three for which they had hitherto been protected, and 
 in return to make them all liable to seven years' service in 
 the navy. The abolition of compulsory apprenticeship in 
 the merchant service has deprived Marryat' s plan of 
 whatever practical value it ever had. We have not yet 
 solved the problem he discussed, which is this How is 
 the country to obtain, when war breaks out, the great num- 
 ber of men who will be required to put the navy on a war 
 footing, and keep it there? The brutal and unjust, but 
 withal effective power to impress, is lost in fact, though not 
 
 xi 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 sum of ^400. The faith of Colburn, the adventurous 
 publisher who paid this large price for a first novel, 
 was well rewarded. The Naval Officer, though it is now 
 probably the least popular, except the Privateersman, of all 
 Marryat's sea stories, was at the time a great success. The 
 matter was new, the form full of spirit. The novelty and 
 the vivacity served to carry off what was disagreeable in the 
 book, the somewhat callous character of the hero, and the 
 more than somewhat grimy nature of his adventures in love. 
 The Naval Officer appeared in 1829, and its popularity 
 made the publishers eager for more. Marryat had written 
 the King's Own, which, curiously enough, has a rather more 
 artful plot than his other stories, before the Naval Officer. 
 It appeared in 1830. In this year he obtained possession 
 of an estate in Langham in Norfolk, close to Wells-next- 
 the-Sea, in exchange, for Sussex House, Hammersmith. 
 How this property came into his possession we are not told. 
 From the pecuniary point of view the bargain was a very 
 bad one, for his thousand acres of land at Langham proved 
 to be nothing but an incessant cause of expense to Marryat. 
 It is clear, indeed, that he never was prudent in money 
 matters. He not only liked to live largely, but he had a 
 mania for speculations, and he once stood for Parliament. 
 The fall in the value of West Indian property, in which his 
 father's fortune was largely if not wholly invested, may have 
 done much to embarrass him; but we have his own word 
 for it that he had run through two fortunes, and the con- 
 fession makes it impossible to throw the whole responsibility 
 for his want of money on Free Trade and the Emancipa- 
 tion of the Slaves. 
 
 From the time that he began to write he certainly worked 
 like a man to whom literature was crutch and not staff. 
 Newton Forster followed the King's Own in 1832. Peter 
 
 xiv 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Simple and Jacob Faithful belong to 1834. The Pacha of 
 Many Tales came next in 1835. No less than four works, 
 namely, Mr. Midshipman Easy, Japhet, The Pirate, and 
 the Three Cutters (these last two being published together), 
 appeared in 1836. In 1837 came Snarky-yow. Some 
 doubt still exists as to how far he can be said to be the 
 author of Rattlin the Reefer, which belongs to 1838. To 
 say that it is Marryat's is an action which never fails to 
 excite angry contradiction from those who are interested in 
 the reputation of Mr. Howard. Marryat never claimed it; 
 nor do I think that internal evidence goes to show that it 
 can have been his in groundwork and general spirit. On 
 the other hand, this same test of internal evidence will, I am 
 confident, convince any one who has read, or attempted to 
 read, either Jack Ashore or The Old Commodore, of which 
 no man has ever attempted to deprive Mr. Howard, that 
 Rattlin the Reefer profited most materially by its author's 
 conversations with Captain Marryat. To resume the list of 
 his undoubted works with their dates of publication. The 
 PJiantom Ship belongs to 1839, and the Diary in America 
 to the same year; Olla Podrida (a collection of short articles 
 and stories) and Poor Jack to 1840, Master man Ready and 
 the Poacher to 1844, Percival Keene to 1842, Monsieur 
 Violet to 1843, tne Settlers in Canada to 1844, The Mission 
 to 1845, tne Privateersman to 1846, the Children of the 
 New Forest to 1847. The Little Savage and Valerie, which 
 were neither wholly his, appeared after his death in 1848. 
 This makes a list of twenty-four books, of which twenty-two 
 were certainly entirely written by him in less than twenty 
 years. Nor was this the whole of his work, for during three 
 years (1832-1835) he edited the Metropolitan Magazine, 
 of which he was part proprietor. The time which he could 
 devote to literature was, to some extent at least, limited by 
 
 xv 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the restlessness of his life. Until his last years, which were 
 spent at Langham, he was always on the move from London 
 to Norfolk, and thence to Brighton; then abroad, apparently 
 under the sudden pressure of some necessity in 1836; then 
 in 1837 and 1838 to the United States, to accumulate 
 materials for a book. Even after his return from America 
 it was not till 1843 that he settled at Langham, where he 
 remained, with occasional brief absences on business, or 
 in search of medical advice and health till his death on 
 the 8th August 1848. 
 
 Little is to be learnt of his life during these years. Mrs. 
 Church's biography of his father gives hints of family 
 miseries which she has very properly not chosen to make 
 public. At the end Marryat speaks of himself as writing 
 till his eyes were as small as a mole's for money. Langham 
 returned him nothing, and his efforts to turn it into a 
 profitable property by experiments, mostly of a very wild 
 order, uniformly ended in loss. In 1847 he applied for a 
 command, and when his application was declined by the 
 Admiralty the irritation caused by his failure threw Marryat 
 into a fit of rage by which he broke a blood-vessel. While 
 weakened by this repetition of an accident from which he 
 had suffered before, he heard of the death of his eldest 
 son Frederick, a lieutenant in the navy, who was lost in the 
 terrible shipwreck of the Avenger on the 23rd December 
 1847. He followed his son within less than a year, worn 
 out by the action of hard work and hard living on a 
 temperament which was both restless and passionate. 
 
 Much of this considerable body of writing suffers neces- 
 sarily from the conditions in which it was done. They 
 are defined by Marryat himself with candour in a letter 
 written from the United States, in which he confesses 
 that he would write no more if he were not ' rather in 
 
 xvi 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 want of money. ' Work done for money and against the grain 
 can hardly be very good when it implies the use of faculties 
 no man can rely on being able to command at will. Industry 
 and judgment may answer to call, but the imagination and 
 the creative power are infinitely less obedient. When they 
 are forced they are apt to revenge themselves by turning 
 out what is really only journalism in disguise. Some of 
 Marryat's work, too, was journalism without any disguise 
 at all. He only claims for it himself that it is 'good maga- 
 zine stuff,' and it is hardly possible to say even as much as 
 this for the Diary in America. It is quite unnecessary to 
 speak of work at which nobody would ever look if it had not 
 been done by the author of books which have lived, and 
 will live, by merits of quite another order. That Marryat 
 received ^1300 for the Diary in America is an interesting 
 fact in the history of publishing. It shows that in 1839 
 there was a profound belief in the trade that any book about 
 America by a writer of reputation would sell. From any 
 other point of view the book is 'of no consequence.' 
 
 That portion of Marryat's work which is of some con- 
 sequence is none the less exceptionally large. In estimat- 
 ing its merits it is necessary to take fairly into account the 
 extent to which he was helped to fortune in literature by 
 'occasion fitting virtue.' Washington Irving exactly de- 
 fined the character of the occasion in Marryat's case when 
 he wrote : ' You have a glorious field before you, and one in 
 which you cannot have many competitors, as so very few 
 unite the author to the sailor. ' Many sailors have written 
 well, but if by the word author we are to understand a 
 writer who uses the sea life as the material for poetry or 
 romance, or tale of humour and adventure, Washington 
 Irving was almost exaggerating when he said ' very few. ' 
 He wrote at the very beginning of Marryat's career as an 
 
 xvii 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 author, and at that period he might well have said nobody. 
 The combination of author (in this sense) and sailor has 
 always been more than rare. Smollett's brief experience 
 of the sea in the humble capacity of loblolly-boy hardly 
 entitled him to be called a seaman and there is nobody 
 else. It is true that some traces may be found of writers 
 who attempted to combine the author and the sailor. 
 Falconer is still fairly perceptible. But even in his case, 
 and to an infinitely greater extent in the case of such persons 
 as ' Poet ' Thomson, it is impossible to use the word 
 1 author ' if it is understood to imply the possession of 
 style, taste, humour, pathos, or any other of those qualities 
 which go to the production of literature. They have a 
 certain limited value as witnesses to the student of naval 
 history, and that is all. 
 
 The example of these writers will serve, if any is needed, 
 to prove how very little the occasion will do of itself. If 
 Marryat had had nothing but his experience to qualify 
 him to write sea stories, it is very certain that Peter Simple 
 and Mr. Midshipman Easy would never have been written. 
 What he had were the qualities which would have made 
 him an excellent story-teller whatever his life had been 
 before he began to write. The story which follows this 
 introduction is in itself evidence that Marryat could write a 
 lively tale of adventure without help from his recollections 
 of sea life. At the same time it would be as uncritical to 
 underrate the extent to which they did help him as it would 
 be to attribute his excellence wholly to them. It was of 
 infinite advantage to him that he had lived in a world so 
 peculiar, so much a thing by itself, as the navy, and at a 
 time when it was at its best. Something of the old 
 barbarism still lingered about it enough to give a certain 
 approach to an excuse for the judgment passed on the old 
 
 xviii 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 navy by one who had seen a little of it in his youth that , 
 the officers were hardly human, and the men were fiends. 
 Sir Gilbert Elliot, the first Lord Minto, who spent some 
 months on Lord Hood's flagship in the Mediterranean, and 
 saw much of the navy during the operations in Corsica, 
 found no want of humanity in the officers, and saw 
 nothing fiendish in the men. Discipline, high spirit, zeal, 
 readiness to tackle the hardest work, and ingenuity in 
 adapting means to ends were what he saw, and he com- 
 pared them to the ' high lounge ' of the military gentlemen 
 with whom he had to deal in Corsica, very much to the 
 disadvantage of these latter. Sir Gilbert Elliot saw the 
 picked crew and officers of the flagship of one of the very 
 ablest of admirals. Nelson, too, was one of Hood's captains, 
 and the whole squadron represented the best of the navy. 
 In his high place the rougher side of the life would be 
 hidden from Sir Gilbert, but his evidence at least shows 
 that the old barbarism was so far tamed that a Scotch 
 gentleman, in whom there was no want of fastidiousness 
 and ' proper pride, ' could prefer it to the army as a service 
 for his son. It is to be noted that Elliot judged by what 
 he saw himself, and does not appear to have been in any way 
 influenced in favour of the navy by remembering that his 
 uncle was the Captain Elliot of the JEolus who snuffed 
 out the French corsair Thurot in 1760. What remained 
 of the navy as Smollett had seen it (and he, it must be 
 remembered, deliberately exaggerated for the sake of comic 
 effect) was enough to give a flavour and colour of its own 
 to the service. 
 
 Unquestionably it was of immense advantage to Marryat 
 that his experience enabled him to give a picture of the 
 English seamanhood of his time before it vanished for ever. 
 This which Carlyle judged to be the mission of Smollett, 
 
 xix 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was certainly Marryat's in an even greater degree. Captain 
 
 Savage of the Diomede, Captain M of the King 1 s Own, 
 
 Captain Hector Maclean in Jacob Faithful, Terence 
 O'Brien, the mate Martin, the midshipman Gascoigne, 
 Thomas Saunders, the boatswain's mate, and Swinburne, the 
 quartermaster, are beyond all question not less lifelike 
 portraits of the officers and men of the navy than Trunnion 
 and Bowling, Pipes and Hatchway. In one respect 
 Marryat had an inevitable advantage over his predecessor. 
 Smollett never shows us the seaman at his work. He could 
 not, because he did not know it sufficiently well to under- 
 stand it himself, still less to explain it to others. Marryat 
 was intimately familiar with all that the author of Roderick 
 Random could only look at from the outside; therefore 
 he could show his seamen at their work. His scenes of 
 battle and shipwreck are convincingly true. An easy test 
 is to compare any of his great scenes the club-hauling of 
 the Diomede, or the fight with the Danish gun-boats in 
 Peter Simple, the destruction of the French liner, and the 
 wreck of the English frigate in the King 1 s Own with the 
 narratives of actual events told by the actors such, for 
 example, as Captain Inglefield's account of the loss of the 
 Centaur, or Dundonald's description of his escape from 
 the French line of battleships. That Marryat wrote about 
 the cutting off of dogs' tails, and other trivial matters which 
 excited the spleen of Carlyle, is true. In themselves these 
 incidents are neither better nor worse than the description 
 of the scrubbing of the Nymph of the Road, with the various 
 kind of swabs used in his Majesty's ships of war, which is to 
 be found in Peregrine Pickle. If we are not to condemn 
 Smollett for the one, why Marryat for the other? That 
 Carlyle did only shows that he was stupid for once in his life. 
 That Marryat sometimes makes use of real incidents of 
 xx 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 the war does not in itself add much to the verisimilitude of 
 his pictures. Indeed, he is very chary in the use of this 
 resource, and when originals are found for incidents in his 
 novels (other than the avowedly personal reminiscences in 
 the Naval Officer) their resemblance to the event in the 
 novel is not commonly very close. Thus, for instance, 
 the club-hauling of the Diomede has been compared to the 
 club-hauling of the Magnificent in the storm on the west 
 coast of France in 1812, and the destruction of the French 
 liner in the King's Own to the hunting of Les Droits de 
 P Homme by Pellew in 1797. But the inferences between 
 the originals and the copies are very great. The almost 
 superhuman feat of seamanship by which Captain Hayes 
 saved his seventy-four from the reef of Cosseron and the 
 reef of the Isle de Rlie", and earned for himself, from the 
 admiration of his brother seamen, the honourable nickname 
 of ' Magnificent Hayes, ' was a far greater thing than the 
 imaginary achievement of Captain Savage. If Marryat had 
 it in his mind at all when he was writing Peter Simple, he 
 showed good sense in avoiding too close a copy. The 
 saving of the Magnificent was so long a fight, so com- 
 plicated, and so full of technical detail, that it would have 
 overburdened the story, and could with difficulty have 
 been made intelligible. Marryat wisely took a simpler 
 version of the same feat, and told it so that any reader who 
 will read with moderate attention can understand what 
 Captain Savage did, and why. The destruction of Les 
 Droits de r Homme, again, was the work of two frigates 
 the Indefatigable, of which Pellew was captain, and the 
 Amazon, whose captain was Reynolds the same who, as 
 rear-admiral, was frozen to death in the wreck of the 
 St. George on the coast of Denmark. Neither of the 
 English captains meant deliberately to lose their ship. 
 
 xxi 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 The Amazon was indeed lost, but it was because she was 
 unwittingly taken too near the shore in the dark. In this case 
 Marryat has magnified the feat for the sake of artistic effect. 
 
 After all, however, it is not because he wrote with know- 
 ledge and vigour of the sea and seamen, but because he 
 wrote of possible and intrinsically interesting human beings 
 at sea, and doing seaman-like things, that Marryat is interest- 
 ing to the mass of readers. Thousands have laughed kindly 
 at Mr. Chucks and Peter Simple, or have felt sorry for Martin, 
 or have loved Masterman Ready, who do not know the 
 bobstay from the falls, or whether there is any difference 
 between tacking and wearing. This general human interest 
 of his books, and his fun, have done more to make his 
 stories readable than his accuracy in sea affairs. It is true 
 that he rarely attains to a very high degree of reality except 
 when he is drawing seamen. The facts that he did not 
 begin to write till nearly forty, and that his experience had 
 up to this age been almost wholly gained in active service, 
 are the sufficient explanations of the superiority of his 
 sailors to his other characters. He wrote best of what he 
 had known best. His experience was the fund he spent as 
 Sir Walter Scott drew on his multifarious reading when he, 
 at about the same age, took seriously to novel-writing. If 
 his youth had been spent among other scenes, he would 
 have described them, for he was by nature a story-teller. 
 Had he not been a seaman he would have written all the 
 same, and in all probability he would have begun earlier. 
 
 The merits of Captain Marryat as a teller of stories are 
 very simple, and lie on the surface. Poe put his finger on 
 them, and miscalled them stupidly enough, when he said 
 that Marryat was ' essentially mediocre,' and that 'his 
 ideas were the common property of the mob. ' As a piece 
 of criticism, this requires to be completed by Poe's final 
 
 xxii 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 fling that he had known twenty young Americans who 
 could do as good in a week. We have been waiting for 
 those young men to begin these many years. Translated 
 into sense what this means is that Marryat drew average 
 human beings doing as average human beings do, on the 
 usual motives. It is an idea of the mob that the good 
 things of the world are desirable, and Marryat shared the 
 opinion. It is an idea of the mob that a story ought to 
 amuse, and, as a rule, to end happily, and in this Captain 
 Marryat agreed with his readers. The ideas of the mob 
 were interpreted very similarly by Scott and Dumas. When 
 Captain Marryat went wrong, it was when he did not share 
 the ' mob's ' artistic preference for honesty in the heroes of 
 its stories and melodramas when he drew such a couple 
 of cubs as Frank Mildmay and Percival Keene. The want 
 of construction of plot which has been complained of in 
 his stories was a defect he shared with all his contempor- 
 aries. It would be difficult to point out many traces 
 of construction in the stories of Sir Walter himself, or 
 of Lever, or of Dickens in his early days. The fun, too, of 
 Marryat is of the kind which is ' the common property of 
 the mob ' that is to say, it is good, hearty laughter at human 
 absurdities and mishaps. There are still some of us who 
 will unabashedly confess to a wish that they could get more 
 of it. Captain Marryat' s writing has never been held to 
 give him a title to the name of stylist, but his narrative 
 prose has been compared to Defoe's by so good a judge as 
 Lockhart. The bits of his own verse which are to be found 
 in his books prove his power to handle language. ' The 
 captain stood on the carronade, ' ' Poll put her arms 
 akimbo, ' and ' Now your father is asleep, maid, listen unto 
 me,' are excellent good verse of the kind which does not 
 profess to be poetry, and which can be sung. It is not 
 
 xxiii 
 
JAI'IIKT, IN SEARCH OK A FAT I IKK 
 
 the highest., or even high, but it is unpretentious and is 
 genuine. 
 
 The book which has been chosen as the first of this set 
 is perhaps the least Marryat-likc of Captain Marryat's stories. 
 It. is ;i in>'Vt'/(t </(' picat'os of merit an exception in its 
 author's work almost as much as Con Cretan is. in Lever's. 
 Of the kind it is sufficiently good. 
 
 The picturesque novel does not require more than action 
 conducted by brisk puppets to be acceptable to those who 
 have the wisdom to ask no more from it than it ought to be 
 expected to give. Marryat has in this book partly adopted 
 and partly invented a fairly good set of puppets. Japhct 
 and his faithful Timothy are the everlasting two, the hero 
 and his valet, who reappear in so many forms of play and 
 story, who are Don Quixote and Sancho at one end of the 
 scale, and the unchanging (lalan and (Iracioso of the 
 Spanish genteel comedy, the Cotnedia lie capa y Hspada, at 
 the other. Don Juan and Snagarclle, Tom Jones and 
 Partridae, Roderick Random and Strap, many another hero, 
 and ' Charles, his friend,' are all variations on the same two 
 types. Japhet and Timothy are, it need hardly be added, 
 very much nearer to the Galan and the (Iracioso than to 
 Don Quixote and Sancho. The surrounding figures, Major 
 Carbonnell and Captain Atkinson, Mr. Cophagus with his 
 catchwords, the melodramatic Melchior and Netta, are as 
 competent as the central two. The incidents, too, are of the 
 well-approved kind, sudden changes of fortune, mysteries, 
 stolen children, robbers' caves, long-lost parents, and, as Mr. 
 Cophagus would say ' um so on.' They are entertaining 
 to read but. not to read about. The critic can do little 
 more in such a case than say whether this author has been 
 fairly successful in dealing with the materials which have 
 been the common stock of story-tellers from the day of the 
 
 xxiv 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Greek Romances. Marryat has done not as well as some, 
 but better than many. There is one person in the book 
 who is not of the common stock, and that is Aramathea 
 Judd, the young woman who masquerades as her aunt, the 
 prophetess come to life again. Her position is something 
 new, and her character promises much. Good judges have 
 been of opinion that there is more in her than any of the 
 characters which Marryat did not take from the sea; but 
 whether it was that he did not know what to do with her, 
 or that she frightened him, or that he feared to shock his 
 readers with her, Marryat drops Aramathea almost so soon 
 as he has taken her up, and with her disappears all that 
 could have distinguished Jq.phct, in Search of a Father 
 from a regular picturesque novel. 
 
 xxv 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Like most other children, who should be my godfather is decided by 
 mammon So precocious as to make some noise in the world, 
 and be hung a few days after I was born Cut down in time, 
 and produce a scene of bloodshed My early propensities fully 
 developed by the choice of my profession . . . Page I 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 Like all tyros, I find the rudiments of learning extremely difficult 
 and laborious, but advance so rapidly that I can do without 
 my master .......... 7 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 I perform a wonderful cure upon St. John Long's principle, having 
 little or no principle of my own I begin to puzzle my head with 
 a problem, of all others most difficult to solve . . 13 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 Very much puzzled with a new patient, nevertheless take my degree at 
 fifteen as an M.D. ; and what is still more acceptable, I pocket 
 the fees . . . . . . . . . 17 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 My vanity receives a desperate wound, but my heart remains unscathed 
 An anomaly in woman, one who despises beauty . Page 23 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 My prescriptions very effective and palatable, but I lose my patient 
 The feud equal to that of the Montagues and the Capulets 
 Results different Mercutio comes off unhurt . . .28 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 Looking out for business not exactly minding your own business The 
 loss of the scales occasions the loss of place to Timothy and me, 
 who when weighed in other scales were found wanting We 
 bundle off with our bundles on . . . . . -35 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 We take a coach, but the driver does not like his fare and hits us foul 
 We change our mode of travelling, upon the principle of slow 
 and sure, and fall in with a very learned man . . .40 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 In which the adventures in the waggon are continued, and we become 
 more puzzled with our new companions W T e leave off talking 
 Latin, and enter into an engagement ..... 45 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 In which the reader is introduced to several new acquaintances, and all 
 connected with them, except birth and parentage, which appears 
 to be the one thing wanting throughout the whole of this work 5 1 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 Whatever may be the opinion of the reader, he cannot assert that we 
 are no conjurers We suit our wares to our customers, and our 
 profits are considerable ...... Page 57 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 It is very easy to humbug those who are so eager to be humbugged as 
 people are in this world of humbug We show ourselves exces- 
 sively disinterested, which astonishes everybody . . .64 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 The seed having been carefully sown, we now reap a golden harvest 
 We tell everybody what they knew before, and we are looked 
 upon as most marvellous by most marvellous fools . -7 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 In which Melchior talks very much like an astrologer, and Tim and I 
 return to our old trade of making up innocent prescriptions . 75 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 In which Timothy makes a grand speech, quite as true as those de- 
 livered from the hustings Melchior, like the candidate, states 
 his pretensions for public favour, and the public, as usual, swallow 
 the bait .......... 79 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 Important news, but not communicated A dissolution of partnership 
 takes place .......... 86 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 A cabinet council I resolve to set up as a gentleman, having as 
 legitimate pretensions to the rank of one as many others . 92 
 xxix 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 I receive a letter from my uncle, by which I naturally expect to find 
 out who is my father Like other outcasts I am warned by a 
 dream Page 99 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 An important chapter I make some important acquaintances, obtain 
 some important papers, which I am importunate to read 
 through .......... 104 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 I open an account with my bankers, draw largely upon credulity, and 
 am prosperous without a check . . . . . .107 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 I come out under a first-rate chaperon, and at once am established 
 into the regions of fashion Prove that I am deserving of my 
 promotion . . . . . . . . . .112 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 The real Simon Pure proves the worse of the two I am found guilty, 
 but not condemned; convicted, yet convince; and after having 
 behaved the very contrary to, prove that I am, a gentleman 116 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 The major prevents the landlord from imposing on me, but I gain 
 nothing by his interference For economical reasons I agree to 
 live with him that he may live on me . . . . .123 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 The major teaches me how to play whist so as never to lose, which is 
 by playing against each other, and into each other's hands . 127 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 We fund our winnings, and consider to refund, a work of supereroga- 
 tion In looking after my father, I obey the old adage, ' Follow 
 your nose' ......... Page 133 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 In following my nose, I narrowly escaped being nosed by a beak . 137 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 A chapter of mistakes No benefit of clergy I attack a bishop, and 
 am beaten off The major hedges upon the filly stakes . 141 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 I am over head and ears in trouble about a lady's earrings; commit 
 myself sadly, and am very nearly committed .... 146 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 I borrow money upon my estate, and upon very favourable terms . 150 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 
 The major is very fortunate and very unfortunate He receives a large 
 sum in gold and one ounce of lead . . . . . 153 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 The major pays the only debt of consequence he ever did pay, and I 
 find myself a man of property . . . . . .158 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 A chapter full of morality, which ends in a Jew refusing upwards of 
 ^1000, proving the millennium to be nearly at hand . Page 162 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII 
 
 I decide upon honesty as the best policy, and what is more strange, 
 receive legal advice upon this important point . . .166 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV 
 
 I attempt to profit by intelligence I receive, and throw a lady into 
 hysterics . . . . . . . . . .169 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 I repair the damage, and make things worse Plot and counterplot 
 Tim gains a watch by setting watch upon his tongue . . 175 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 I fall very much in love with honesty, because I find that it is well 
 received in the world and to prove my honesty, inform the 
 whole world that honest I have never been . . . . 179 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 I try back to recover the lost scent, and discover to my astonishment, 
 that I have been transported for forgery . . . .183 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII 
 
 Mischief brewing Timothy and I set our wits to work, and he 
 resumes his old profession of a gipsy , , , , .187 
 xxxii 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 I set off on a wild-goose chase And fall in with an old 
 friend .......... Page 192 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 I deny my master ......... 197 
 
 CHAPTER XLI 
 I turn lawyer .......... 202 
 
 CHAPTER XLII 
 
 I affront an Irish gentleman and make a handsome apology, which is 
 accepted .... .... . . 206 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII 
 
 I am not content with minding my own business, but must have a hand 
 in that of others, by which means I put my foot in it . .211 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV 
 
 No hopes of rising next morning alive As a last chance, I get into 
 bed ........... 214 
 
 CHAPTER XLV 
 
 Petticoat interest prevails, and I escape; but I put my head into the 
 lion's den .......... 219 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI 
 
 Under ground, but not yet dead and buried The prospect anything 
 but pleasant ......... 223 
 
JAPIIET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XLVII 
 
 A friend in need is a friend indeed The tables are turned, and so is 
 the key The issue is deep tragedy .... Page 227 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIII 
 
 Is full of perilous adventures, and in which, the reader may be assured, 
 there is much more than meets the eye .... 230 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX 
 
 Another investigation relative to a child, which, in the same way as 
 the former one, ends by the lady going off in a fit . . 237 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 In which, if the reader does not sympathise with the parties, he had 
 better shut the book ........ 240 
 
 CHAPTER LI 
 
 I return to the gay world, but am not well received; I am quite dis- 
 gusted with it and honesty, and everything else . . . 244 
 
 CHAPTER LII 
 
 A new character appears, but not a very amiable one; but I attach 
 myself to him, as drowning men catch at straws . . . 248 
 
 CHAPTER LIII 
 
 Become principal instead of second in a duel, and risk my own and 
 
 another's life, my own and others' happiness and peace of mind, 
 
 because I have been punished as I deserved . . . -253 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER LIV 
 
 This is a strange world; I am cut by a man of no character, because 
 he is fearful that I should injure his character . . Page 256 
 
 CHAPTER LV 
 
 I cut my new acquaintance, but his company, even in so short a time, 
 proves my ruin Notwithstanding I part with all my property, I 
 retain my honesty ........ 261 
 
 CHAPTER LVI 
 
 I resolve to begin the world again, and to seek my fortune in the next 
 path I take leave of all my old friends .... 267 
 
 CHAPTER LVII 
 
 My new career is not very prosperous at its commencement I am 
 robbed, and accused of being a robber I bind up wounds, and 
 am accused of having inflicted them I get into a horse-pond, 
 and out of it into gaol ........ 272 
 
 CHAPTER LVIII 
 
 Worse and worse If out of gaol, it will be to go out of the world I 
 am resolved to take my secret with me .... 278 
 
 CHAPTER LIX 
 
 By the committing of magisterial mistakes I am personally and penally 
 committed I prepare for my trial by calling in the assistance of 
 the tailor and the perfumer I am resolved to die like a gen- 
 tleman ....... . 282 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LX 
 
 I am condemned to be hung by the neck until I am dead, and to go 
 out of the world without finding out who is my father Afterwards 
 my innocence is made manifest, and I am turned adrift a maniac 
 in the high road Page 286 
 
 CHAPTER LXI 
 
 When at the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, one is sure to rise as it 
 turns round I recover my senses, and find myself amongst 
 friends .......... 292 
 
 CHAPTER LXII 
 
 I fall in love with religion when preached by one who has the form of 
 an angel .......... 297 
 
 CHAPTER LXIII 
 
 Pride and love at issue The latter is victorious I turn Quaker, and 
 recommence my old profession . . . . . -301 
 
 CHAPTER LXIV 
 I prosper in every way, and become reconciled to my situation . 306 
 
 CHAPTER LXV 
 
 A variety of the Quaker tribe Who had a curious disintegration of 
 mind and body ......... 309 
 
 CHAPTER LXVI 
 I fall in with Timothy ......... 313 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER LXVII 
 Timothy commences his narrative of his search after Japhet Page 319 
 
 CHAPTER LXVIII 
 Timothy finishes his narrative ....... 325 
 
 CHAPTER LXIX 
 
 I am unsettled by unexpected intelligence, and again yearn after the 
 world of fashion ......... 330 
 
 CHAPTER LXX 
 
 I return to London and meet with Mr. Masterton . . . 334 
 
 CHAPTER LXXI 
 
 In which I am let into more particulars relative to my father's 
 history. .......... 341 
 
 CHAPTER LXXII 
 
 I am a little jealous, and, like the immortal William Bottom, inclined 
 to enact more parts than one With a big effort my hankering 
 after bigamy is mastered by Mr. Masterton and by my own 
 good sense 347 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIII 
 
 Contains much learned argument upon broad-brims and garments of 
 grey I get the best of it The one great wish of my life is 
 granted I meet my father, and a cold reception, very indicative 
 of much after-heat ........ 355 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIV 
 
 Father and I grow warm in our argument Obliged to give him a little 
 schooling to show my affection Takes it at last very kindly, and 
 very dutifully owns himself a fool ..... Page 363 
 
 CHAPTER LXXV 
 
 Father still dutifully submissive at home Abroad, I am splitting a 
 straw in arguments with Susannah about straw bonnets The rest 
 of the chapter contains coquetry, courting, and costumes . 371 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVI 
 
 I renew old ties of friendship, and seek new ones of love Obliged to 
 take my father to task once more He receives his lesson with 
 proper obedience ........ 378 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVII 
 
 Treats of apologies, and love coming from church We finesse with the 
 nabob to win me a wife I am successful in my suit, yet the lawyer 
 is still to play the cards to enable me to win the game . . 385 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVIII 
 
 The Bengal tiger taken in the toils, which promises a speedy end to 
 mine I kindly permit my father to insist upon the marriage that 
 I have set my heart upon . . . . . . . 391 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIX 
 
 Poor Cophagus finds an end to his adventures by the means of a mad 
 bull; I, of mine, by matrimony Father is prettily behaved, and 
 my Quaker wife the most fashionably dressed lady in town 
 Verily ! hum !......... 397 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 ' Scrutinising my person ' . . . . . . . . 6 
 
 ' Passengers would stop to look in ' . . . . . .19 
 
 ' Great was the concussion '....... 32 
 
 ' The bull made one or two attempts to leap the counter ' . -36 
 ' You are welcome ' . . . . . . . . -53 
 
 ' Tim threw a somerset ' . . . . . . . .63 
 
 'The Great Aristodemus made his appearance' . . . .71 
 
 ' Stood upon his saddle and harangued the people ' . . .80 
 ' The master ventured to observe '...... 97 
 
 ' I threw myself on a chair ' . . . . . .in 
 
 'No longer controlling his anger ' . . . . . .120 
 
 ' Her mistress praised her docility and application ' . . .128 
 ' If I lose, I shall never pay you '...... 132 
 
 '"Let me go," roared I ' . . . . . . . -139 
 
 ' I stood behind her, carefully examining them ' . . . 147 
 
 ' I requested Mr. Osborn to drop the handkerchief . . 157 
 
 ' With his hand clasped in mine he gradually sank ' . . .161 
 'I was ushered into the drawing-room' . . . . .171 
 
 'They had been consulting how this should be done ' . . 193 
 
 ' My companions were all in repose '. . . . " . .198 
 
 ' Mr. O'Donaghan pulled on his gloves ' . . . . . 209 
 
 '" What is your name? " said I ' ...... 215 
 
 ' She put some salve upon the wounds and bound them up ' . 226 
 ' The maid-servant to whom he paid his addresses ' . . . 234 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ?AGE 
 
 ' My child ! my long lost child ! ' . . . . . .241 
 
 ' Harcourt fell with a bullet above his knee ' . . .255 
 
 ' He flew out and fell down the stairs '..... 265 
 
 ' Four people burst through the hedge and surrounded me ' . 277 
 
 ' I was placed in the dock '....... 288 
 
 ' She was sitting close to the light and reading ? ... 299 
 
 ' I knew not what answer to give '...... 303 
 
 ' He ran out of the door, and read the name over the shop ' . 315 
 
 ' I became a great politician '....... 322 
 
 ' Asked me whether the spirit did not move me to get down ' . 336 
 
 ' Mr. Masterton resumed the subject ' ..... 342 
 
 ' I heard a light footstep behind me ' ..... 350 
 
 ' I folded my arms and looked my father steadfastly in the face ' . 364 
 ' The dress naturally drew upon her the casual glance of the 
 
 passengers '......... 37^ 
 
 ' We were in each other's arms '...... 382 
 
 ' The bull singled him out '....... 398 
 
CHAPTER I 
 
 Like most other children, who should be my godfather is decided by 
 mammon So precocious as to make some noise in the world, and 
 be hung a few days after I was born Cut down in time, and produce 
 a scene of bloodshed My early propensities fully developed by the 
 choice of my profession. 
 
 THOSE who may be pleased to honour these pages with a 
 perusal, will not be detained with a long introductory history 
 of my birth, parentage, and education. The very title implies 
 that, at this period of my memoirs, I was ignorant of the two 
 first ; and it will be necessary for the due development of my 
 narrative, that I allow them to remain in the same state of 
 bliss ; for in the perusal of a tale, as well as in the pilgrimage 
 of life, ignorance of the future may truly be considered as the 
 greatest source of happiness. The little that was known of 
 me at this time I will however narrate as concisely, and as 
 
 correctly, as I am able. It was on the 1 really forget the 
 
 date, and must rise from my chair, look for a key, open a 
 closet, and then open an iron safe to hunt over a pile of papers 
 it will detain you too long it will be sufficient to say that it 
 
 was on a night but whether the night was dark or moonlit, 
 
 or rainy or foggy, or cloudy or fine, or starlight, I really 
 cannot tell ; but it is of no very great consequence. Well, it 
 
 was on a night about the hour there again I'm puzzled, it 
 
 might have been ten, or eleven, or twelve, or between any of 
 these hours ; nay, it might have been past midnight, and far 
 advancing to the morning, for what I know to the contrary. 
 
 The reader must excuse an infant of there again I am at 
 
 a nonplus ; but we will assume of some days old if, when 
 B i 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 wrapped up in flannel and in a covered basket, and, moreover, 
 fast asleep at the time, he does not exactly observe the state 
 of the weather, and the time by the church clock. I never 
 before was aware of the great importance of dates in telling a 
 story ; but it is now too late to recover these facts, which have 
 been swept away into oblivion by the broad wing of Time. 
 I must therefore just tell the little I do know, trusting to the 
 reader's good nature, and to blanks. It is as follows : that, 
 
 at the hour of the night the state of the weather being 
 
 also 1, an infant of a certain age was suspended by 
 
 somebody or somebodies at the knocker of the Foundling 
 
 Hospital. Having made me fast, the said somebody or some- 
 bodies rang a peal upon the bell which made the old porter 
 start up in so great a hurry, that, with the back of his hand 
 he hit his better half a blow on the nose, occasioning a great 
 suffusion of blood from that organ, and a still greater pouring 
 forth of invectives from the organ immediately below it. 
 
 All this having been effected by the said peal on the bell, 
 the said somebody or somebodies did incontinently take to 
 their heels, and disappear long before the old porter could pull 
 his legs through his nether garments and obey the rude 
 summons. At last the old man swang open the gate, and the 
 basket swang across his nose ; he went in again for a knife 
 and cut me down, for it was cruel to hang a baby of a few 
 days old ; carried me into the lodge, lighted a candle, and 
 opened the basket. Thus did I metaphorically first come to 
 light. 
 
 When he opened the basket I opened my eyes, and although 
 I did not observe it, the old woman was standing at the table 
 in very light attire, sponging her nose over a basin. 
 
 * Verily, a pretty babe with black eyes ! ' exclaimed the old 
 man in a tremulous voice. 
 
 ' Black eyes, indeed,' muttered the old woman. ' I shall 
 have two to-morrow.' 
 
 * Beautiful black eyes, indeed ! ' continued the old man. 
 
 ' Terrible black eyes, for sartain,' continued the old woman, 
 as she sponged away. 
 
 ' Poor thing, it must be cold,' murmured the old porter. 
 
 * Warrant I catch my death a-cold,' muttered the wife. 
 
 * But, dear me, here's a paper ! ' exclaimed the old man. 
 
 * Vinegar and brown paper,' echoed the old woman. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Addressed to the governors of the hospital,' continued the 
 porter. 
 
 ' Apply to the dispenser of the hospital,' continued his wife. 
 
 ' And sealed,' said he. 
 
 ' Get it healed,' said she. 
 
 * The linen is good ; it must be the child of no poor people. 
 Who knows ? ' soliloquised the old man. 
 
 ' My poor nose ! ' exclaimed the old woman. 
 
 ' I must take it to the nurses, and the letter I will give to- 
 morrow,' said the old porter, winding up his portion of this 
 double soliloquy, and tottering away with the basket and your 
 humble servant across the court-yard. 
 
 ' There, it will do now,' said the old wife, wiping her face 
 on a towel, and regaining her bed, in which she was soon 
 joined by her husband, and they finished their nap without 
 any further interruption during that night. 
 
 The next morning I was reported and examined, and the 
 letter addressed to the governors was opened and read. It 
 was laconic, but still, as most things laconic are, very much to 
 the point. 
 
 'This child was born in wedlock he is to be named 
 Japhet. When circumstances permit, he will be reclaimed.' 
 
 But there was a postscript by Abraham Newland, Esq., 
 promising to pay the bearer, on demand, the sum of fifty 
 pounds. In plainer terms, there was a bank note to that 
 amount inclosed in the letter. As in general the parties who 
 suspend children in baskets, have long before suspended cash 
 payments, or, at all events, forget to suspend them with the 
 baskets, my arrival created no little noise, to which I added 
 my share, until I obtained a share of the breast of a young 
 woman, who, like Charity, suckled two or three babies at one 
 time. 
 
 We have preparatory schools all over the kingdom ; for 
 young gentlemen, from three to five years of age, under ladies, 
 and from four to seven, under either, or both sexes, as it may 
 happen ; but the most preparatory of all preparatory schools, 
 is certainly the Foundling Hospital, which takes in its pupils, 
 if they are sent, from one to three days old, or even hours, if 
 the parents are in such extreme anxiety about their education. 
 Here it commences with their weaning, when they are instructed 
 in the mystery of devouring pap ; next, they are taught to 
 
 3 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 walk and as soon as they can walk to sit still ; to talk 
 and as soon as they can talk to hold their tongues ; thus are 
 they instructed and passed on from one part of the establish- 
 ment to another, until they finally are passed out of its gates, 
 to get on in the world, with the advantages of some education, 
 and the still further advantage of having no father or mother 
 to provide for, or relatives to pester them with their necessities. 
 It was so with me : I arrived at the age of fourteen, and not- 
 withstanding the promise contained in the letter, it appeared 
 that circumstances did not permit of my being reclaimed. 
 But I had a great advantage over the other inmates of the 
 hospital ; the fifty pounds sent with me were not added to the 
 funds of the establishment, but generously employed for my 
 benefit by the governors, who were pleased with my conduct, 
 and thought highly of my abilities. Instead of being bound 
 'prentice to a cordwainer, or some other mechanic, by the 
 influence of the governors, added to the fifty pounds and 
 interest, as a premium, I was taken by an apothecary, who 
 engaged to bring me up to the profession. And now, that I 
 am out of the Foundling, we must not travel quite so fast. 
 
 The practitioner who thus took me by the hand was a Mr. 
 Phineas Cophagus, whose house was most conveniently situated 
 for business, one side of the shop looking upon Smithfield 
 Market, the other presenting a surface of glass to the principal 
 street leading out of the same market. It was a corner house, 
 but not in a corner. On each side of the shop were two gin 
 establishments, and next to them were two public-houses and 
 then two eating-houses, frequented by graziers, butchers, and 
 drovers. Did the men drink so much as to quarrel in their 
 cups, who was so handy to plaster up the broken heads as Mr. 
 Cophagus ? Did a fat grazier eat himself into an apoplexy, 
 how very convenient was the ready lancet of Mr. Cophagus. 
 Did a bull gore a man, Mr. Cophagus appeared with his 
 diachylon and lint. Did an ox frighten a lady, it was in the 
 back parlour of Mr. Cophagus that she was recovered from her 
 syncope. Market days were a sure market to my master; 
 and if an over -driven beast knocked down others, it only 
 helped to set him on his legs. Our window suffered occasion- 
 ally ; but whether it were broken heads, or broken limbs, or 
 broken windows, they were well paid for. Every one suffered 
 but Mr. Phineas Cophagus, who never suffered a patient to 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 escape him. The shop had the usual allowance of green, 
 yellow, and blue bottles ; and in hot weather, from our vicinity, 
 we were visited by no small proportion of blue -bottle flies. 
 We had a white . horse in one window, and a brown horse in 
 the other, to announce to the drovers that we supplied horse- 
 medicines. And we had all the patent medicines in the 
 known world, even to the ' all-sufficient medicine for mankind 5 
 of Mr. Enouy ; having which, I wondered, on my first arrival, 
 why we troubled ourselves about any others. The shop was 
 large, and at the back part there was a most capacious iron 
 mortar, with a pestle to correspond. The first floor was 
 tenanted by Mr. Cophagus, who was a bachelor ; the second 
 floor was let ; the others were appropriated to the housekeeper, 
 and to those who formed the establishment. In this well- 
 situated tenement, Mr. Cophagus got on swimmingly. I will, 
 therefore, for the present, sink the shop, that my master may 
 rise in the estimation of the reader, when I describe his person 
 and his qualifications. 
 
 Mr. Phineas Cophagus might have been about forty-five 
 years of age when I first had the honour of an introduction to 
 him in the receiving-room of the Foundling Hospital. He was 
 of the middle height, his face was thin, his nose very much 
 hooked, his eyes small and peering, with a good-humoured 
 twinkle in them, his mouth large, and drawn down at one 
 corner. He was stout in his body, and carried a considerable 
 protuberance before him, which he was in the habit of patting 
 with his left hand very complacently ; but although stout in 
 his body, his legs were mere spindles, so that, in his appear- 
 ance, he reminded you of some bird of the crane genus. 
 Indeed, I may say, that his whole figure gave you just such an 
 impression as an orange might do, had it taken to itself a 
 couple of pieces of tobacco pipes as vehicles of locomotion. 
 He was dressed in a black coat and waistcoat, white cravat 
 and high collar to his shirt, blue cotton net pantaloons and 
 Hessian boots, both fitting so tight, that it appeared as if he 
 was proud of his spindle shanks. His hat was broad-brimmed 
 and low, and he carried a stout black cane with a gold top in 
 his right hand, almost always raising the gold top to his nose 
 when he spoke, just as we see doctors represented at a con- 
 sultation in the caricature prints. But if his figure was strange, 
 his language and manners were still more so. He spoke, as 
 
 5 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 some birds fly, in jerks, intermixing his words, for he never 
 completed a whole sentence, with um um and ending it 
 with ' so onj leaving his hearers to supply the context from 
 the heads of his discourse. Almost always in motion, he 
 generally changed his position as soon as he had finished 
 speaking, walking to any other part of the room, with his cane 
 
 ' Scrutinising my person,' 
 
 to his nose, and his head cocked on one side, with a self- 
 sufficient tiptoe gait. When I was ushered into his presence, 
 he was standing with two of the governors. 'This is the 
 lad,' said one of them, * his name is Japhet? 
 
 1 Japhet,' replied Mr. Cophagus ; ' um, scriptural Shem, 
 Ham, um and so on. Boy reads ? ' 
 
 'Very well, and writes a very good hand. He is a very 
 good boy, Mr. Cophagus. 3 
 
 6 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Read write spell good, and so on. Bring him up 
 rudiments spatula write labels um M.D. one of these 
 d a y S make a man of him and so on,' said this strange 
 personage, walking round and round me with his cane to his 
 nose, and scrutinising my person with his twinkling eyes. I 
 was dismissed after this examination and approval, and the 
 next day, dressed in a plain suit of clothes, was delivered by 
 the porter at the shop of Mr. Phineas Cophagus, who was not 
 at home when I arrived. 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 Like all tyros, I find the rudiments of learning extremely difficult and 
 laborious, but advance so rapidly that I can do without my master. 
 
 A TALL, fresh-coloured, but hectic-looking young man, stood 
 behind the counter, making up prescriptions, and a dirty lad, 
 about thirteen years old, was standing near with his basket to 
 deliver the medicines to the several addresses, as soon as they 
 were ready. The young man behind the counter, whose name 
 was Brookes, was within eighteen months of serving his time, 
 when his friends intended to establish him on his own account, 
 and this was the reason which induced Mr. Cophagus to take 
 me, that I might learn the business, and supply his place when 
 he left. Mr. Brookes was a very quiet, amiable person, kind 
 to me and the other boy who carried out the medicines, and 
 who had been taken by Mr. Cophagus, for his food and 
 raiment. The porter told Mr. Brookes who I was, and left 
 me. l Do you think that you will like to be an apothecary ? ' 
 said Mr. Brookes to me, with a benevolent smile. 
 
 ' Yes ; I do not see why I should not,' replied I. 
 
 ' Stop a moment,' said the lad who was waiting with the 
 basket, looking archly at me, 'you hav'n't got through your 
 rudimans yet.' 
 
 * Hold your tongue, Timothy,' said Mr. Brookes. ' That 
 you are not very fond of the rudiments, as Mr. Cophagus calls 
 them, is very clear. Now walk off as fast as you can with 
 these medicines, sir 14 Spring Street ; 16 Cleaver Street, as 
 before ; and then to John Street, 5 5, Mrs. Smith's. Do you 
 understand ? ' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * To be sure I do can't I read ? I reads all the directions, 
 and all your Latin stuff into the bargain all your summen 
 dusses, horez, diez, cockly hairy. I mean to set up for myself 
 one of these days.' 
 
 ' I'll knock you down one of these days, Mr. Timothy, if 
 you stay so long as you do, looking at the print shops ; that 
 you may depend upon.' 
 
 4 1 keep up all my learning that way,' replied Timothy, 
 walking off with his load, turning his head round and laughing 
 at me, as he quitted the shop. Mr. Brookes smiled, but said 
 nothing. 
 
 As Timothy went out, in came Mr. Cophagus. ' Heh ! 
 Japhet I see,' said he, putting up his cane, ' nothing to do 
 bad must work um and so on. Mr. Brookes boy learn 
 rudiments good and so on.' Hereupon Mr. Cophagus 
 took his cane from his nose, pointed to the large iron mortar, 
 and then walked away into the back parlour. Mr. Brookes 
 understood his master, if I did not. He wiped out the mortar, 
 threw in some drugs, and, showing me how to use the pestle, 
 left me to my work. In half an hour I discovered why it was 
 that Timothy had such an objection to what Mr. Cophagus 
 facetiously termed the rudiments of the profession. It was 
 dreadful hard work for a boy ; the perspiration ran down me 
 in streams, and I could hardly lift my arms. When Mr. 
 Cophagus passed through the shop and looked at me, as I 
 continued to thump away with the heavy iron pestle, ' Good,' 
 said he, 'by and by M.D. and so on.' I thought it was 
 a very rough road to such preferment, and I stopped to take 
 a little breath. * By the bye Japhet Christian name and 
 so on sirname heh ! ' 
 
 * Mr. Cophagus wishes to know your other name,' said Mr. 
 Brookes, interpreting. 
 
 I have omitted to acquaint the reader that sirnames as well 
 as Christian names are always given to the children at the 
 Foundling, and in consequence of the bank note found in my 
 basket, I had been named after the celebrated personage whose 
 signature it bore. ' Newland is my other name, sir,' replied I. 
 
 * Newland heh ! very good name everybody likes to 
 see that name and have plenty of them in his pockets too 
 um very comfortable and so on,' replied Mr. Cophagus, 
 leaving the shop. 
 
 8 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I resumed my thumping occupation, when Timothy returned 
 with his empty basket. He laughed when he saw me at work. 
 ' Well, how do you like the rudimans ? and so on heh ? ' 
 said he, mimicking Mr. Cophagus. 
 
 ' Not overmuch,' replied I, wiping my face. 
 
 ' That was my job before you came. I have been more 
 than a year, and never have got out of those rudimans yet, 
 and I suppose I never shall.' 
 
 Mr. Brookes, perceiving that I was tired, desired me to 
 leave off, an order which I gladly obeyed, and I took my seat 
 in a corner of the shop. 
 
 ' There,' said Timothy, laying down his basket ; * no more 
 work for me hanty prandium^ is there, Mr. Brookes ?' 
 
 ' No, Tim ; but post prandium^ you'll post off again.' 
 
 Dinner being ready, and Mr. Cophagus having returned, 
 he and Mr. Brookes went into the back parlour, leaving 
 Timothy and me in the shop to announce customers. And I 
 shall take this opportunity of introducing Mr. Timothy more 
 particularly, as he will play a very conspicuous part in this 
 narrative. Timothy was short in stature for his age, but very 
 strongly built. He had an oval face, with a very dark 
 complexion, grey eyes flashing from under their long eye- 
 lashes, and eyebrows nearly meeting each other. He was 
 marked with the small-pox, not so much as to disfigure him, 
 but still it was very perceptible when near to him. His 
 countenance was always lighted up with merriment ; there 
 was such a happy, devil-may-care expression in his face, that 
 you liked him the first minute that you were in his company, 
 and I was intimate with him immediately. 
 
 ' I say, Japhet,' said he, ' where did you come from ? ' 
 
 ' The Foundling,' replied I. 
 
 ' Then you have no friends or relations.' 
 
 * If I have, I do not know where to find them,' replied I, 
 very gravely. 
 
 ' Pooh ! don't be grave upon it. I hav'n't any either. I 
 was brought up by the parish, in the workhouse. I was found 
 at the door of a gentleman's house, who sent me to the over- 
 seers I was about a year old then. They call me a foundling, 
 but I don't care what they call me, so long as they don't call 
 me too late for dinner. Father and mother, whoever they 
 were, when they run away from me, didn't run away with my 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 appetite. I wonder how long master means to play with his 
 knife and fork. As for Mr. Brookes, what he eats wouldn't 
 physic a snipe. What's your other name, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' Newland.' 
 
 * Newland now you shall have mine in exchange : Timothy 
 Oldmixon at your service. They christened me after the 
 workhouse pump, which had "Timothy Oldmixon fecit" on it : 
 and the overseers thought it as good a name to give me as 
 any other ; so I was christened after the pump-maker with 
 some of the pump water. As soon as I was big enough, they 
 employed me to pump all the water for the use of the work- 
 house. I worked at my papa, as I called the pump, all day 
 long. Few sons worked their father more, or disliked him so 
 much ; and now, Japhet, you see, from habit, I'm pumping you.' 
 
 1 You'll soon pump dry, then, for I've very little to tell you, 3 
 replied I ; ' but, tell me, what sort of a person is our master ? ' 
 
 ' He's just what you see him, never alters, hardly ever out 
 of humour, and when he is, he is just as odd as ever. He 
 very often threatens me, but I have never had a blow yet, 
 although Mr. Brookes has complained once or twice.' 
 
 ' But surely Mr. Brookes is not cross ? ' 
 
 ' No, he is a very good gentleman ; but sometimes I carry 
 on my rigs a little too far, I must say that. For as Mr. 
 Brookes says, people may die for want of the medicines, be- 
 cause I put down my basket to play. It's very true ; but I can't 
 give up " peg in the ring " on that account. But then I only 
 get a box of the ear from Mr. Brookes, and that goes for nothing. 
 Mr. Cophagus shakes his stick, and says, " Bad boy big 
 stick um won't forget next time and so on," ' continued 
 Timothy, laughing ; * and it is so on, to the end of the chapter.' 
 
 By this time Mr. Cophagus and his assistant had finished 
 their dinner, and came into the shop. The former looked at 
 me, put his stick to his nose, * Little boys always hungry 
 um like good dinner roast beef Yorkshire pudding and 
 so on,' and he pointed with the stick to the back parlour. 
 Timothy and I understood him very well this time : we went 
 into the parlour, when the housekeeper sat down with us, and 
 helped us. She was a terribly cross, little old woman, but as 
 honest as she was cross, which is all that I shall say in her 
 favour. Timothy was no favourite, because he had such a 
 good appetite ; and it appeared that I was not very likely to 
 
 10 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 stand well in her good opinion, for I also ate a great deal, 
 and every extra mouthful I took I sank in her estimation, till 
 I was nearly at the zero, where Timothy had long been for 
 the same offence ; but Mr. Cophagus would not allow her to stint 
 him, saying, ' Little boys must eat or won't grow and so 
 on.' 
 
 I soon found out that we were not only well fed, but in 
 every other point well treated, and I was very comfortable and 
 happy. Mr. Brookes instructed me in the art of labelling and 
 tying up, and in a very short time I was very expert ; and as 
 Timothy predicted, the rudiments were once more handed 
 over to him. Mr. Cophagus supplied me with good clothes, 
 but never gave me any pocket-money, and Timothy and I 
 often lamented that we had not even a halfpenny to spend. 
 
 Before I had been many months in the shop, Mr. Brookes 
 was able to leave when any exigence required his immediate 
 attendance. I made up the pills, but he weighed out the 
 quantities in the prescriptions ; if, therefore, any one came in 
 for medicines, I desired them to wait the return of Mr. Brookes, 
 who would be in very soon. One day, when Mr. Brookes was 
 out, and I was sitting behind the counter, Timothy sitting on 
 it, and swinging his legs to and fro, both lamenting that we 
 had no pocket money, Timothy said, 'Japhet, I've been 
 puzzling my brains how we can get some money, and I've hit 
 it at last ; let you and I turn doctors ; we won't send all the 
 people away who come when Mr. Brookes is out, but we'll 
 physic them ourselves.' 
 
 I jumped at the idea, and he had hardly proposed it, when 
 an old woman came in, and addressing Timothy, said, ' That 
 she wanted something for her poor grandchild's sore throat.' 
 
 I 1 don't mix up the medicines, ma'am,' replied Timothy ; 
 'you must apply to that gentleman, Mr. Newland, who is 
 behind the counter he understands what is good for every- 
 body's complaints.' 
 
 * Bless his handsome face and so young too ! Why, be 
 you a doctor, sir ? ' 
 
 ' I should hope so,' replied I ; ' what is it you require a 
 lotion, or an embrocation ? ' 
 
 ' I don't understand those hard words, but I want some 
 doctor's stuff.' 
 
 1 Very well, my good woman ; I know what is proper,' 
 ii 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 replied I, assuming an important air. t Here, Timothy, wash 
 out this vial very clean.' 
 
 * Yes, sir,' replied Timothy, very respectfully. 
 
 I took one of the measures, and putting in a little green, a 
 little blue, and a little white liquid from the medicine bottles 
 generally used by Mr. Brookes, filled it up with water, poured 
 the mixture into the vial, corked and labelled it, hanstus statim 
 sumenduS) and handed it over the counter to the old woman. 
 
 4 Is the poor child to take it, or is it to rub outside?' 
 inquired the old woman. 
 
 'The directions are on the label ; but you don't read Latin ?' 
 
 * Deary me, no ! Latin ! and do you understand Latin ? 
 what a nice clever boy ! ' 
 
 ' 1 should not be a good doctor if I did not,' replied I. 
 On second thoughts, I considered it advisable and safer that 
 the application should be external^ so I translated the label to 
 her l lfaustus y rub it in statim^ on the throat sumendus^ 
 with the palm of the hand.' 
 
 * Deary me ! and does it mean all that ? How much have 
 I to pay, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Embrocation is a very dear medicine, my good woman ; 
 it ought to be eighteen-pence, but as you are a poor woman, 
 I shall only charge you nine-pence.' 
 
 4 I'm sure I thank you kindly,' replied the old woman, 
 putting down the money, and wishing me a good morning as 
 she left the shop. 
 
 ' Bravo ! ' cried Timothy, rubbing his hands ; * it's halves, 
 Japhet, is it not ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' I replied ; * but first we must be honest, and not 
 cheat Mr. Cophagus ; the vial is sold, you know, for one 
 penny, and I suppose the stuff I have taken is not worth a 
 penny more. Now, if we put aside two-pence for Mr. Coph- 
 agus, we don't cheat him, or steal his property ; the other 
 seven -pence is of course our own being the profits of the 
 profession? 
 
 ' But how shall we account for receiving the two-pence ? ' 
 said Timothy. 
 
 ' Selling two vials instead of one : they are never reckoned, 
 you know.' 
 
 ' That will do capitally,' cried Timothy ; { and now for 
 halves.' But this could not be managed until Timothy had 
 
 12 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 run out and changed the sixpence ; we then each had our 
 three-pence halfpenny, and for once in our lives could say that 
 we had money in our pockets. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 I perform a wonderful cure upon St. John Long's principle, having little 
 or no principle of my own I begin to puzzle my head with a problem, 
 of all others most difficult to solve. 
 
 THE success of our first attempt encouraged us to proceed ; 
 but afraid that I might do some mischief, I asked of Mr. 
 Brookes the nature and qualities of the various medicines, as 
 he was mixing the prescriptions, that I might avoid taking 
 any of those which were poisonous. Mr. Brookes, pleased 
 with my continual inquiries, gave me all the information I 
 could desire, and thus I gained, not only a great deal of in- 
 formation, but also a great deal of credit with Mr. Cophagus, 
 to whom Mr. Brookes had made known my diligence and 
 thirst for knowledge. 
 
 * Good very good,' said Mr. Cophagus ; ' fine boy learns 
 his business M.D. one of these days ride in his coach um, 
 and so on.' Nevertheless, at my second attempt, I made an 
 awkward mistake, which very near led to detection. An Irish 
 labourer, more than half tipsy, came in one evening, and asked 
 whether we had such a thing as was called 1 A poor maris 
 plaster. By the powers, it will be a poor man's plaster when 
 it belongs to me ; but they tell me that it is a sure and sartain 
 cure for the thumbago, as they call it, which I've at the small 
 of my back, and which is a hinder to my mounting up the 
 ladder ; so as it's Saturday night, and I've just got the money, 
 I'll buy the plaster first, and then try what a little whisky 
 inside will do ; the devil's in it if it won't be driven out of me 
 between the two.' 
 
 We had not that plaster in the shop, but we had blister 
 plaster, and Timothy handing one to me, I proffered it to 
 him. ' And what may you be after asking for this same ? ' 
 inquired he. 
 
 The blister plasters were sold at a shilling each, when 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 spread on paper, so I asked him eighteen -pence, that we 
 might pocket the extra sixpence. 
 
 I By the powers, one would think that you had made a 
 mistake, and handed me the rich man's plaster instead of the 
 poor one's. It's less whisky I'll have to drink, anyhow ; but 
 here's the money, and the top of the morning to ye, seeing as 
 how it's jist getting late.' 
 
 Timothy and I laughed as we divided the sixpence. It 
 appeared that after taking his allowance of whisky, the poor 
 fellow fixed the plaster on his back when he went to bed, and 
 the next morning found himself in a condition not to be envied. 
 It was a week before we saw him again, and much to the 
 horror of Timothy and myself, he walked into the shop when 
 Mr. Brookes was employed behind the counter. Timothy 
 perceived him before he saw us, and pulling me behind the 
 large mortar, we contrived to make our escape into the back 
 parlour, the door of which we held ajar to hear what would 
 take place. 
 
 ' Murder and turf ! ' cried the man ; * but that was the 
 devil's own plaster that you gave me here for my back, and 
 it left me as raw as a turnip, taking every bit of my skin off 
 me entirely, forbye my lying in bed for a whole week, and 
 losing my day's work.' 
 
 I 1 really do not recollect supplying you with a plaster, my 
 good man,' replied Mr. Brookes. 
 
 ' Then, by the piper that played before Moses, if you don't 
 recollect it, I've an idea that I shall never forget it. Sure 
 enough, it cured me, but wasn't I quite kilt before I was 
 cured ? ' 
 
 ' It must have been some other shop,' observed Mr. 
 Brookes. * You have made a mistake.' 
 
 * Devil a bit of mistake, except in selling me the plaster. 
 Didn't I get it of a lad in this same shop ? ' 
 
 ' Nobody sells things out of this shop without my knowledge.' 
 
 The Irishman was puzzled he looked round the shop. 
 ' Well, then, if this a'n't the shop, it was own sister to it.' 
 
 ' Timothy,' called Mr. Brookes. 
 
 1 And sure enough there was a Timothy in the other shop, 
 for I heard the boy call the other by the name ; however, it's 
 no matter if it took off the skin, it also took away the thumbago, 
 so the morning to you, Mr. Pottykary.' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 When the Irishman departed, we made our appearance. 
 ' Japhet, did you sell a plaster to an Irishman ?' 
 
 < Yes don't you recollect, last Saturday ? and I gave you 
 the shilling.' 
 
 ' Very true ; but what did he ask for ? ' 
 
 ' He asked for a plaster, but he was very tipsy. I showed 
 him a blister, and he took it ' ; and then I looked at Timothy 
 and laughed. 
 
 1 You must not play such tricks,' said Mr. Brookes. * I see 
 what you have been about it was a joke to you, but not to 
 him.' 
 
 Mr. Brookes, who imagined we had sold it to the Irishman 
 out of fun, then gave us a very severe lecture, and threatened 
 to acquaint Mr. Cophagus if ever we played such tricks again. 
 Thus the affair blew over, and it made me very careful ; and, 
 as every day I knew more about medicines, I was soon able to 
 mix them, so as to be of service to those who applied, and 
 before eighteen months had expired, I was trusted with the 
 mixing up of all the prescriptions. At the end of that period 
 Mr. Brookes left us, and I took the whole of his department 
 upon myself, giving great satisfaction to Mr. Cophagus. 
 
 And now that I have announced my promotion, it will 
 perhaps be as well that I give the reader some idea of my 
 personal appearance, upon which I have hitherto been silent. 
 I was thin, between fifteen and sixteen years old, very tall for 
 my age, and of my figure I had no reason to be ashamed ; 
 a large beaming eye, with a slightly aquiline nose, a high fore- 
 head, fair in complexion, but with very dark hair. I was 
 always what may be termed a remarkably clean-looking boy, 
 from the peculiarity of my skin and complexion ; my teeth 
 were small, but were transparent, and I had a very deep dimple 
 in my chin. Like all embryo apothecaries, I carried in my 
 appearance, if not the look of wisdom, most certainly that of 
 self-sufficiency, which does equally well with the world in 
 general. My forehead was smooth, and very white, and my 
 dark locks were combed back systematically, and with a 
 regularity that said, as plainly as hair could do, * The owner of 
 this does everything by prescription, measurement, and rule.' 
 With my long fingers I folded up the little packets, with an 
 air as thoughtful and imposing as that of a minister who has 
 just presented a protocol as interminable as unintelligible ; and 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the look of solemn sagacity with which I poured out the 
 contents of one vial into the other, would have well become the 
 king's physician, when he watched the ' Lord's anointed ' in 
 articulo mortis. 
 
 As I followed up my saturnine avocation, I generally had 
 an open book on the counter beside me ; not a marble-covered 
 dirty volume, from the Minerva press, or a half-bound, half- 
 guinea's worth of fashionable trash, but a good, honest, heavy- 
 looking, wisdom-implying book, horribly stuffed with epithet of 
 drug ; a book in which Latin words were redundant, and here 
 and there were to be observed the crabbed characters of 
 Greek. Altogether, with my book and my look, I cut such a 
 truly medical appearance, that even the most guarded would 
 not have hesitated to allow me the sole conduct of a whitlow, 
 from inflammation to suppuration, and from suppuration to 
 cure, or have refused to have confided to me the entire 
 suppression of a gumboil. Such were my personal qualifica- 
 tions at the time that I was raised to the important office of 
 dispenser of, I may say, life and death. 
 
 It will not surprise the reader when I tell him that I was 
 much noticed by those who came to consult, or talk with, Mr. 
 Cophagus. ' A very fine looking lad that, Mr. Cophagus,' an 
 acquaintance would say. 'Where did you get him who is 
 his father ? ' 
 
 c Father ! ' Mr. Cophagus would reply, when they had 
 gained the back parlour, but I could overhear him, * father, 
 um can't tell love concealment child born Foundling 
 Hospital put out and so on. 3 
 
 This was constantly occurring, and the constant occurrence 
 made me often reflect upon my condition, which otherwise I 
 might, from the happy and even tenor of my life, have for- 
 gotten. When I retired to my bed I would revolve in my 
 mind all that I had gained from the governors of the hospital 
 relative to myself. The paper found in the basket had been 
 given to me. I was born in wedlock at least, so said that 
 paper. The sum left with me also proved that my parents 
 could not, at my birth, have been paupers. The very peculiar 
 circumstances attending my case, only made me more anxious 
 to know my parentage. I was now old enough to be aware 
 of the value of birth, and I was also just entering the age of 
 romance, and many were the strange and absurd reveries in 
 
 16 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 which I indulged. At one time I would cherish the idea that 
 I was of a noble, if not princely birth, and frame reasons for 
 concealment. At others but it is useless to repeat the 
 absurdities and castle buildings which were generated in my 
 brain from mystery. My airy fabrics would at last disappear, 
 and leave me in all the misery of doubt and abandoned hope. 
 Mr. Cophagus, when the question was sometimes put to him, 
 would say, * Good boy very good boy don't want a father.' 
 But he was wrong, I did want a father ; and every day the 
 want became more pressing, and I found myself continually 
 repeating the question, ' Who is my father .?' 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 Very much puzzled with a new patient, nevertheless take my degree at 
 fifteen as an M. D. ; and what is still more acceptable, I pocket the 
 fees. 
 
 THE departure of Mr. Brookes, of course, rendered me more 
 able to follow up with Timothy my little professional attempts 
 to procure pocket-money ; but independent of these pillages 
 by the aid of pills, and making drafts upon our master's 
 legitimate profits, by the assistance of draughts from his shop, 
 accident shortly enabled me to raise the ways and means in a 
 more rapid manner. But of this directly. 
 
 In the meantime I was fast gaining knowledge ; every 
 evening I read surgical and medical books, put into my hands 
 by Mr. Cophagus, who explained whenever I applied to him, 
 and I soon obtained a very fair smattering of my profession. 
 He also taught me how to bleed, by making me, in the first 
 instance, puncture very scientifically all the larger veins of a 
 cabbage-leaf, until well satisfied with the delicacy of my hand, 
 and the precision of my eye, he wound up his instructions by 
 permitting me to breathe a vein in his own arm. 
 
 * Well,' said Timothy, when he first saw me practising, * I 
 have often heard it said, there's no getting blood out of a 
 turnip ; but it seems there is more chance with a cabbage. I 
 tell you what, Japhet, you may try your hand upon me as 
 much as you please, for two-pence a go.' 
 
 I consented to this arrangement, and by dint of practising 
 C 17 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 on Timothy over and over again, I became quite perfect. I 
 should here observe, that my anxiety relative to my birth 
 increased every day, and that in one of the books lent me by 
 Mr. Cophagus, there was a dissertation upon the human frame, 
 sympathies, antipathies, and also on those features and peculi- 
 arities most likely to descend from one generation to another. 
 It was there asserted, that the nose was the facial feature most 
 likely to be transmitted from father to son. As I before have 
 mentioned, my nose was rather aquiline ; and after I had read 
 this book, it was surprising with what eagerness I examined 
 the faces of those whom I met ; and if I saw a nose upon any 
 man's face, at all resembling my own, I immediately would 
 wonder and surmise whether that person could be my father. 
 The constant dwelling upon the subject at last created a species 
 of monomania, and a hundred times a day I would mutter to 
 myself, ' Who is my father?' indeed, the very bells, when they 
 rung a peal, seemed, as in the case of Whittington, to chime 
 the question, and at last I talked so much on the subject to 
 Timothy, who was my Fidus Achates, and bosom friend, that 
 I really believe, partial as he was to me, he wished my father 
 at the devil. 
 
 Our shop was well appointed with all that glare and glitter 
 with which we decorate the * house of call ' of disease and 
 death. Being situated in such a thoroughfare, passengers 
 would stop to look in, and ragged -vested, and in other 
 garments still more ragged, little boys would stand to stare at 
 the variety of colours, and the 'pottecary gentleman, your 
 humble servant, who presided over so many labelled-in-gold 
 phalanxes which decorated the sides of the shop. 
 
 Among those who always stopped and gazed as she passed 
 by, which was generally three or four times a day, was a well- 
 dressed female, apparently about forty years of age, straight as 
 an arrow, with an elasticity of step, and a decision in her 
 manner of walking, which was almost masculine, although her 
 form, notwithstanding that it was tall and thin, was extremely 
 feminine and graceful. Sometimes she would fix her eyes upon 
 me, and there was a wildness in her looks, which certainly 
 gave a painful impression, and at the same time so fascinated 
 me, that when I met her gaze, the paper which contained the 
 powder remained unfolded, and the arm which was pouring 
 out the liquid suspended. 
 
 18 
 
* Passengers would stop to look in. ' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 She was often remarked by Timothy, as well as me ; and 
 we further observed, that her step was not equal throughout 
 the day. In her latter peregrinations, towards the evening, 
 her gait was more vigorous, but unequal, at the same time 
 that her gaze was more steadfast. She usually passed the 
 shop for the last time each day about five o'clock in the after- 
 noon. 
 
 One evening, after we had watched her past, as we 
 supposed, to return no more till the ensuing morning, for this 
 peeping in, on her part, had become an expected occurrence, 
 and afforded much amusement to Timothy, who designated 
 her as the 'mad woman,' to our great surprise, and to the 
 alarm of Timothy, who sprang over the counter, and took a 
 position by my side, she walked into the shop. Her eye 
 appeared wild, as usual, but I could not make out that it was 
 insanity. I recovered my self-possession, and desired Timothy 
 to hand the lady a chair, begging to know in what way I 
 could be useful. Timothy walked round by the end of the 
 counter, pushed a chair near to her, and then made a hasty 
 retreat to his former position. She declined the chair with a 
 motion of her hand, in which there was much dignity, as well 
 as grace, and placing upon the counter her hands, which were 
 small and beautifully white, she bent forwards towards me, 
 and said, in a sweet, low voice, which actually startled me by 
 its depth of melody, ' I am very ill.' 
 
 My astonishment increased. Why, I know not, because 
 the exceptions are certainly as many as the general rule, we 
 always form an estimate of the voice before we hear it, from 
 the outward appearance of the speaker ; and when I looked 
 up in her face, which was now exposed to the glare of the 
 argand lamp, and witnessed the cadaverous, pale, chalky 
 expression on it, and the crow's feet near the eyes, and wrinkles 
 on her forehead, I should have sooner expected to have heard 
 a burst of heavenly symphony from a thundercloud, than such 
 music as issued from her parted lips. 
 
 ' Good heavens, madam ! ' said I eagerly and respectfully, 
 ' allow me to send for Mr. Cophagus.' 
 
 ' By no means,' replied she. ' I come to you. I am 
 aware,' continued she in an under tone, 'that you dispense 
 medicines, give advice, and receive money yourself.' 
 
 I felt very much agitated, and the blush of detection 
 
 20 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 mounted up to my forehead. Timothy, who heard what she 
 said, showed his uneasiness in a variety of grotesque ways. 
 He drew up his legs alternately, as if he were dancing on hot 
 plates ; he slapped his pockets, grinned, clenched his fists, 
 ground his teeth, and bit his lips till he made the blood come. 
 At last he sidled up to me, ' She has been peeping and screw- 
 ing those eyes of hers into this shop for something. It's all 
 up with both of us, unless you can buy her off.' 
 
 ' I have, madam,' said I, at last, ' ventured to prescribe in 
 some trivial cases, and, as you say, receive money when my 
 master is not here ; but I am entrusted with the till.' 
 
 ' I know I know you need not fear me. You are too 
 modest. What I would request is, that you would prescribe 
 for me, as I have no great opinion of your master's talents.' 
 
 1 If you wish it, madam,' said I, bowing respectfully. 
 
 4 You have camphor julep ready made up, have you not ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, madam,' replied I. 
 
 ' Then do me the favour to send the boy with a bottle to 
 my house directly.' I handed down the bottle, she paid for it, 
 and putting it into Timothy's hands, desired him to take it to 
 the direction which she gave him. Timothy put on his hat, 
 cocked his eye at me, and left us alone. 
 
 4 What is your name ? ' said she, in the same melodious 
 voice. 
 
 'Japhet Newland, madam,' replied I. 
 
 'Japhet it is a good, a scriptural name,' said the lady, 
 musing in half soliloquy. ' Newland that sounds of mam- 
 mon.' 
 
 * This mystery is unravelled,' thought I, and I was right in 
 my conjectures. ' She is some fanatical methodist ' ; but I 
 looked at her again, and her dress disclaimed the idea, for in 
 it there was much taste displayed. 
 
 * Who gave you that name ? ' said she, after a pause. 
 
 The question was simple enough, but it stirred up a host of 
 annoying recollections ; but not wishing to make a confidant 
 of her, I gently replied, as I used to do in the Foundling 
 Hospital on Sunday morning ' My godfathers and godmothers 
 in my baptism, ma'am.' 
 
 * My dear sir, I am very ill,' said she, after a pause, ' will 
 you feel my pulse ? ' 
 
 I touched a wrist, and looked at a hand that was worthy of 
 21 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 being admired. What a pity, thought I, that she should be 
 old, ugly, and half crazy ! 
 
 * Do you not think that this pulse of mine exhibits consider- 
 able nervous excitement ? I reckoned it this morning, it was 
 at a hundred and twenty.' 
 
 * It certainly beats quick,' replied I, ' but perhaps the 
 camphor julep may prove beneficial.' 
 
 * I thank you for your advice, Mr. Newland,' said she, 
 laying down a guinea, 'and if I am not better, I will call 
 again, or send for you. Good-night.' 
 
 She walked out of the shop, leaving me in no small 
 astonishment. What could she mean ? I was lost in reverie, 
 when Timothy returned. The guinea remained on the counter. 
 
 * I met her going home,' said he. * Bless me a guinea 
 why, Japhet ! ' I recounted all that had passed. ' Well, then, 
 it has turned out well for us instead of ill, as I expected.' 
 
 The us reminded me that we shared profits on these occa- 
 sions, and I offered Timothy his half; but Tim, with all his 
 espieglerie, was not selfish, and he stoutly refused to take his 
 share. He dubbed me an M.D., and said I had beaten Mr. 
 Cophagus already, for he had never taken a physician's fee. 
 
 ' I cannot understand it, Timothy,' said I, after a few 
 minutes' thought. 
 
 ' 1 can,' replied Timothy. She has looked in at the 
 window until she has fallen in love with your handsome face ; 
 that's it, depend upon it.' As I could find no other cause, 
 and Tim's opinion was backed by my own vanity, I imagined 
 that such must be the case. ' Yes, 'tis so,' continued Timothy, 
 * as the saying is, there's money bid for you.' 
 
 * I wish that it had not been by so ill-favoured a person, 
 at all events, Tim,' replied I ; ' I cannot return her affection.' 
 
 ' Never mind that, so long as you don't return the money.' 
 The next evening she made her appearance, bought, as 
 before, a bottle of camphor julep sent Timothy home with it, 
 and asking my advice, paid me another guinea. 
 
 * Really, madam,' said I, putting it back towards her, * I 
 am not entitled to it.' 
 
 * Yes, you are,' replied she. ' I know you have no friends, 
 and I also know that you deserve them. You must purchase 
 books, you must study, or you never will be a great man.' 
 She then sat down, entered into conversation, and I was 
 
 22 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 struck with the fire and vigour of the remarks, which were 
 uttered in such a melodious tone. 
 
 Her visits, during a month, were frequent, and every time 
 did she press upon me a fee. Although not in love with her 
 person, I certainly felt very grateful, and moreover was 
 charmed with the superiority of her mind. We were now on 
 the most friendly and confiding terms. One evening she said 
 to me, * Japhet, we have now been friends some time. Can I 
 trust you ? ' 
 
 ' With your life, if it were necessary,' replied I. 
 
 I believe it,' said she. ' Then can you leave the shop and 
 come to me to-morrow evening ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, if you will send your maid for me, saying that you 
 are not well.' 
 
 * I will, at eight o'clock. Farewell, then, till to-morrow.' 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 My vanity receives a desperate wound, but my heart remains unscathed 
 An anomaly in woman, one who despises beauty. 
 
 THE next evening I left Timothy in charge, and repaired to 
 her house ; it was very respectable in outward appearance, as 
 well as its furniture. I was not, however, shown up into the 
 first floor, but into the room below. 
 
 1 Miss Judd will come directly, sir,' said a tall, meagre, 
 puritanical-looking maid, shutting the door upon me. In a 
 few minutes, during which my pulse beat quick (for I could 
 not but expect some disclosure ; whether it was to be one of 
 love or murder, I hardly knew which), Miss Aramathea Judd, 
 for such was her Christian name, made her appearance, and 
 sitting down on the sofa, requested me to take a seat by her. 
 
 4 Mr. Newland,' said she, I wish to and I think I can 
 entrust you with a secret most important to me. Why I am 
 obliged to do it, you will perfectly comprehend when you have 
 heard my story. Tell me, are you attached to me ? ' 
 
 This was a home question to a forward lad of sixteen. I 
 took her by the hand, and when I looked down on it, I felt as 
 if I was. I looked up into her face, and felt that I was not. 
 
 23 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 And, as I now was close to her, I perceived that she must 
 have some aromatic drug in her mouth, as it smelt strongly 
 this gave me the supposition that the breath which drew such 
 melodious tones was not equally sweet, and I felt a certain 
 increased degree of disgust. 
 
 ' I am very grateful, Miss Judd,' replied I ; ' I hope I shall 
 prove that I am attached when you confide in me.' 
 
 1 Swear then, by all that's sacred, you will not reveal what 
 I do confide.' 
 
 ' By all that's sacred I will not,' replied I, kissing her hand 
 with more fervour than I expected from myself. 
 
 ' Do me then the favour to excuse me one minute.' She 
 left the room, and in a very short time, there returned, in the 
 same dress, and in every other point the same person, but 
 with a young and lively face of not more, apparently, than 
 twenty-two or twenty-three years old. I started as if I had 
 seen an apparition. 'Yes,' said she, smiling, 'you now see 
 Aramathea Judd without disguise ; and you are the first who 
 has seen that face for more than two years. Before I proceed 
 further, again I say, may I trust you swear ! ' 
 
 * I do swear,' replied I, and took her hand for the book, 
 which this time I kissed with pleasure, over and over again. 
 Like a young jackass as I was, I still retained her hand, 
 throwing as much persuasion as I possibly could in my eyes. 
 In fact, I did enough to have softened the hearts of three 
 bonnet-makers. I began to feel most dreadfully in love, and 
 thought of marriage, and making my fortune, and I don't 
 know what ; but all this was put an end to by one simple 
 short sentence, delivered in a very decided but soft voice, 
 4 Japhet, don't be silly.' 
 
 I was crushed, and all my hopes crushed with me. I 
 dropped her hand, and sat like a fool. 
 
 * And now hear me. I am, as you must have already found 
 out, an impostor ; that is, I am what is called a religious 
 adventuress a new term, I grant, and perhaps only applicable 
 to a very few. My aunt was considered, by a certain sect, to 
 be a great prophetess, which I hardly need tell you was all 
 nonsense ; nevertheless, there are hundreds who believed in 
 her, and do so now. Brought up with my aunt, I soon found 
 out what fools and dupes may be made of mankind by taking 
 advantage of their credulity. She had her religious inspira- 
 
 24 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tions, her trances, and her convulsions, and I was always 
 behind the scenes ; she confided in me, and I may say that I 
 was her only confidant. You cannot, therefore, wonder at my 
 practising that deceit to which I have been brought up from 
 almost my infancy. In person I am the exact counterpart of 
 what my aunt was at my age, equally so in figure, although 
 my figure is now disguised to resemble that of a woman of 
 her age. I often had dressed myself in my aunt's clothes, 
 put on her cap and front, and then the resemblance was very 
 striking. My aunt fell sick and died, but she promised the 
 disciples that she would reappear to them, and they believed 
 her. I did not. She was buried, and by many her return was 
 anxiously expected. It occurred to me about a week after- 
 wards that I might contrive to deceive them. I dressed in 
 my aunt's clothes, I painted and disguised my face as you 
 have seen, and the deception was complete, even to myself, as 
 I surveyed my countenance in the glass. I boldly set off in 
 the evening to the tabernacle, which I knew they still frequented 
 came into the midst of them, and they fell down and 
 worshipped me as a prophetess risen from the dead ; deceived, 
 indeed, by my appearance, but still more deceived by their 
 own credulity. For two years I have been omnipotent with 
 them ; but there is one difficulty which shakes the faith of the 
 new converts, and new converts I must have, Japhet, as the 
 old ones die, or I should not be able to fee my physician. It 
 is this : by habit I can almost throw myself into a stupor or a 
 convulsion, but to do that effectually, to be able to carry on 
 the deception for so long a time, and to undergo the severe 
 fatigue attending such violent exertion, it is necessary that I 
 have recourse to stimulants do you understand ? ' 
 
 'I do,' replied I ; ' I have more than once thought you 
 under the influence of them towards the evening. I'm afraid 
 that you take more than is good for your health.' 
 
 ' Not more than I require for what I have to undergo to 
 keep up the faith of my disciples ; but there are many who 
 waver, some who doubt, and I find that my movements are 
 watched. I cannot trust the woman in this house. I think 
 she is a spy set upon me, but I cannot remove her, as this 
 house, and all which it contains, are not mine, but belong to 
 the disciples in general. There is another woman, not far off, 
 who is my rival ; she calls me an impostor, and says that she 
 
 25 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 is the true prophetess, and that I am not one. This will be 
 rather difficult for her to prove,' continued she, with a mocking 
 smile. ' Beset as I am, I require your assistance ; for you 
 must be aware that it is rather discreditable to a prophetess, 
 who has risen from the dead, to be seen all day at the gin- 
 shop, yet without stimulants now I could not exist.' 
 
 * And how can I assist you ? ' 
 
 1 By sending me, as medicine, that which I dare no longer 
 procure in any other way, and keeping the secret which I have 
 imparted.' 
 
 ' I will do both with pleasure ; but yet,' said I, ' is it not a 
 pity, a thousand pities, that one so young and if you will 
 allow me to add, so lovely, should give herself up to ardent 
 spirits ? Why,' continued I, taking her small white hand, 
 ' why should you carry on the deception : why sacrifice your 
 
 health, and I may say your happiness ' What more I 
 
 might have said I know not, probably it might have been an 
 offer of marriage, but she cut me short. 
 
 'Why does everybody sacrifice their health, their happi- 
 ness, their all, but for ambition and the love of power ? It is 
 true, as long as this little beauty lasts, I might be courted as 
 a woman, but never should I be worshipped as I may say 
 a god. No, no, there is something too delightful in that 
 adoration, something too pleasant in witnessing a crowd of 
 fools stare, and men of three times my age, falling down and 
 kissing the hem of my garment. This is, indeed, adoration ! 
 the delight arising from it is so great, that all other passions 
 are crushed by it it absorbs all other feelings, and has closed 
 my heart even against love, Japhet. I could not, I would not 
 debase myself, sink so low in my own estimation, as to allow 
 so paltry a passion to have dominion over me ; and, indeed, 
 now that I am so wedded to stimulants, even if I were no 
 longer a prophetess, it never could.' 
 
 ' But is not intoxication one of the most debasing of all 
 habits ? ' 
 
 ' I grant you, in itself, but with me and in my situation it 
 is different. I fall to rise again, and higher. I cannot be 
 what I am without I stimulate I cannot stimulate without 
 stimulants, therefore it is but a means to a great and glorious 
 ambition.' 
 
 I had more conversation with her before I left, but nothing 
 26 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 appeared to move her resolution, and I left her, lamenting, 
 in the first place, that she had abjured love, because, notwith- 
 standing the orris root, which she kept in her mouth to take 
 away the smell of the spirits, I found myself very much taken 
 with such beauty of person, combined with so much vigour of 
 mind ; and in the second, that one so young should carry on 
 a system of deceit and self-destruction. When I rose to go 
 away she put five guineas in my hand to enable me to purchase 
 what she required. ' Add to this one small favour,' said I, 
 4 Aramathea allow me a kiss.' 
 
 * A kiss,' replied she, with scorn ; * no, Japhet, look upon 
 me, for it is the last time you will behold my youth ! look 
 upon me as a sepulchre, fair without but unsavory and rotten- 
 ness within. Let me do you a greater kindness, let me 
 awaken your dormant energies, and plant that ambition in 
 your soul, which may lead to all that is great and good a 
 better path and more worthy of a man than the one which I 
 have partly chosen, and partly destiny has decided for me. 
 Look upon me as your friend ; although, perhaps, you truly 
 say, no friend unto myself. Farewell remember that to- 
 morrow you will send the medicine which I require.' 
 
 I left her, and returned home : it was late. I went to bed, 
 and having disclosed as much to Timothy as I could safely 
 venture to do, I fell fast asleep, but her figure and her voice 
 haunted me in my dreams. At one time, she appeared before 
 me in her painted, enamelled face, and then the mask fell off, 
 and I fell at her feet to worship her extreme beauty ; then her 
 beauty would vanish, and she would appear an image of 
 loathsomeness and deformity, and I felt suffocated with the 
 atmosphere impregnated with the smell of liquor. I would 
 wake and compose myself again, glad to be rid of the horrid 
 dream, but again would she appear, with a hydra's tail, like 
 Sin in Milton's Paradise Lost^ wind herself round me, her 
 beautiful face gradually changing into that of a skeleton. I 
 cried out with terror, and awoke to sleep no more, and effectu- 
 ally cured by my dream of the penchant which I felt towards 
 Miss Aramathea Judd. 
 
 27 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 My prescriptions very effective and palatable, but I lose my patient The 
 feud equal to that of the Montagues and the Capulets Results different 
 Mercutio comes off unhurt. 
 
 THE next day I sent Timothy to purchase some highly rectified 
 white brandy, which I coloured with a blue tincture, and added 
 to it a small proportion of the essence of cinnamon, to disguise 
 the smell ; a dozen large vials, carefully tied up and sealed, 
 were despatched to her abode. She now seldom called unless 
 it was early in the morning ; I made repeated visits to her 
 house to receive money, but no longer to make love. One 
 day I requested permission to be present at their meeting, and 
 to this she gave immediate consent ; indeed we were on the 
 most intimate terms, and when she perceived that I no longer 
 attempted to play the fool, I was permitted to remain for 
 hours with her in conversation. She had, as she told me she 
 intended, re -enamelled and painted her face, but knowing 
 what beauty was concealed underneath, I no longer felt any 
 disgust. 
 
 Timothy was very much pleased at his share of this 
 arrangement, as he seldom brought her the medicine without 
 pocketing half-a-crown. 
 
 For two or three months everything went on very satis- 
 factorily ; but one evening, Timothy, who had been sent with 
 the basket of vials for Miss Judd's assistance, returned in great 
 consternation, informing me that the house was empty. He 
 had inquired of the neighbours, and from the accounts given, 
 which were very contradictory, it appeared that the rival 
 prophetess had marched up at the head of her proselytes the 
 evening before, had obtained entrance, and that a desperate 
 contention had been the result. That the police had been 
 called in, and all parties had been lodged in the watch-house ; 
 that the whole affair was being investigated by the magistrates, 
 and that it was said that Miss Judd and all her coadjutors 
 would be sent to the Penitentiary. This was quite enough to 
 frighten two boys like us ; for days afterwards we trembled 
 when people came into the shop, expecting to be summoned 
 
 28 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 and imprisoned. Gradually, however, our fears were dismissed, 
 but I never from that time heard anything more of Miss 
 Aramathea Judd. 
 
 After this affair, I adhered steadily to my business, and 
 profiting by the advice given me by that young person, im- 
 proved rapidly in my profession, as well as in general 
 knowledge ; but my thoughts, as usual, were upon one subject 
 my parentage, and the mystery hanging over it. My 
 eternal reveries became at last so painful, that I had recourse 
 to reading to drive them away, and subscribing to a good 
 circulating library, I was seldom without a book in my hand. 
 By this time I had been nearly two years and a half with Mr. 
 Cophagus, when an adventure occurred which I must attempt 
 to describe with all the dignity with which it ought to be 
 invested. 
 
 This is a world of ambition, competition, and rivalry. 
 Nation rivals nation, and flies to arms, cutting the throats of a 
 few thousands on each side till one finds that it has the worst 
 of it. Man rivals man, and hence detraction, duels, and 
 individual death. Woman rivals woman, and hence loss of 
 reputation and position in high, and loss of hair, and fighting 
 with pattens in low, life. Are we then to be surprised that 
 this universal passion, undeterred by the smell of drugs and 
 poisonous compounds, should enter into apothecaries' shops ? 
 But two streets two very short streets from our own was 
 situated the single -fronted shop of Mr. Ebenezer Pleggit. 
 Thank Heaven, it was only single -fronted ; there, at least, 
 we had the ascendency over them. Upon other points, our 
 advantages were more equally balanced. Mr. Pleggit had two 
 large coloured bottles in his windows more than we had ; but 
 then we had two horses, and he had only one. He tied over 
 the corks of his bottles with red-coloured paper ; we covered 
 up the lips of our vials with delicate blue. It certainly was 
 the case for though an enemy I'll do him justice that, after 
 Mr. Brookes had left us, Mr. Pleggit had two shopmen, and 
 Mr. Cophagus only one ; but then that one was Mr. Japhet 
 Newland ; besides, one of his assistants had only one eye, the 
 other squinted horribly, so if we measured by eyes, I think 
 the advantage was actually on our side ; and, as far as 
 ornament went, most decidedly ; for who would not prefer 
 putting on his chimney-piece one handsome, elegant vase, 
 
 29 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 than two damaged, ill-looking pieces of crockery? Mr. 
 Pleggit had certainly a gilt mortar and pestle over his door, 
 which Mr. Cophagus had omitted when he furnished his shop ; 
 but then the mortar had a great crack down the middle, and 
 the pestle had lost its knob. And let me ask those who have 
 been accustomed to handle it, what is a pestle without a knob ? 
 On the whole, I think, with the advantage of having two 
 fronts, like Janus, we certainly had the best of the comparison ; 
 but I shall leave the impartial to decide. 
 
 All I can say is, that the feuds of the rival houses were 
 most bitter the hate intense the mutual scorn unmeasurable. 
 Did Mr. Ebenezer Pleggit meet Mr. Phineas Cophagus in the 
 street, the former immediately began to spit as if he had 
 swallowed some of his own vile adulterated drugs ; and in 
 rejoinder, Mr. Cophagus immediately raised the cane from his 
 nose high above his forehead in so threatening an attitude as 
 almost to warrant the other swearing the peace against him, 
 muttering, ' Ugly puppy knows nothing um patients die 
 and so on.' 
 
 It may be well supposed that this spirit of enmity extended 
 through the lower branches of the rival houses the assistants 
 and I were at deadly feud ; and this feud was even more 
 deadly between the boys who carried out the medicines, and 
 whose baskets might, in some measure, have been looked upon 
 as the rival ensigns of the parties, they themselves occupying 
 the dangerous and honourable post of standard-bearers. 
 
 Timothy, although the kindest-hearted fellow in the world, 
 was as good a hater as Dr. Johnson himself could have wished 
 to meet with ; and when sometimes his basket was not so well 
 filled as usual, he would fill it up with empty bottles below, 
 rather than that the credit of the house should be suspected, 
 and his deficiencies create a smile of scorn in the mouth of 
 his red-haired antagonist, when they happened to meet going 
 their rounds. As yet, no actual collision had taken place 
 between either the principals or the subordinates of the hostile 
 factions ; but it was fated that this state of quiescence should 
 no longer remain. 
 
 Homer has sung the battles of gods, demigods, and heroes ; 
 Milton the strife of angels. Swift has been great in his Battle 
 of the Books ; but I am not aware that the battle of the vials 
 has as yet been sung ; and it requires a greater genius than 
 
 30 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was to be found in those who portrayed the conflicts of heroes, 
 demigods, gods, angels, or books, to do adequate justice to 
 the mortal strife which took place between the lotions, potions, 
 draughts, pills, and embrocations. I must tell the story as 
 well as I can, leaving it as an outline for a future epic. 
 
 Burning with all the hate which infuriated the breasts of the 
 two houses of Capulet and Montagu, hate each day increasing 
 from years of ' biting thumbs ' at each other, and yet no excuse 
 presenting itself for an affray, Timothy Oldmixon for on such 
 an occasion it would be a sin to omit his whole designation 
 Timothy Oldmixon, I say, burning with hate and eager with 
 haste, turning a corner of the street with his basket well filled 
 with medicines hanging on his left arm, encountered, equally 
 eager in his haste, and equally burning in his hate, the red- 
 haired Mercury of Mr. Ebenezer Pleggit. Great was the 
 concussion of the opposing baskets, dire was the crash of 
 many of the vials, and dreadful was the mingled odour of the 
 abominations which escaped, and poured through the wicker 
 interstices. Two ladies from Billingsgate, who were near, 
 indulging their rhetorical powers, stopped short. Two tom- 
 cats, who were on an adjacent roof, just fixing their eyes of 
 enmity, and about to fix their claws, turned their eyes to the 
 scene below. Two political antagonists stopped their noisy 
 arguments. Two dustmen ceased to ring their bells ; and 
 two little urchins eating cherries from the crowns of their hats, 
 lost sight of their fruit, and stood aghast with fear. They 
 met, and met with such violence, that they each rebounded 
 many paces ; but like stalwart knights, each kept his basket 
 and his feet. A few seconds to recover breath ; one withering, 
 fiery look from Timothy, returned by his antagonist, one flash 
 of the memory in each to tell them that they each had the la 
 on their side, and * Take that ! ' was roared by Timothy, 
 planting a well-directed blow with his dexter and dexterous 
 hand upon the sinister and sinisterous eye of his opponent. 
 4 Take that ! ' continued he, as his adversary reeled back ; 
 4 take that, and be d d to you, for running against a 
 gentleman? 
 
 He of the rubicund hair had retreated, because so violent 
 was the blow he could not help so doing, and we all must 
 yield to fate. But it was not from fear. Seizing a vile 
 potation that was labelled 'To be taken immediately,' and 
 
' Great was the conclusion.' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmttlan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 hurling it with demoniacal force right on the chops of the 
 courageous Timothy, ' Take that ! ' cried he with a rancorous 
 yell. This missile, well directed as the spears of Homer's 
 heroes, came full upon the bridge of Timothy's nose, and the 
 fragile glass shivering, inflicted divers wounds upon his 
 physiognomy, and at the same time poured forth a dark 
 burnt- sienna- coloured balsam, to heal them, giving pain 
 unutterable. Timothy, disdaining to lament the agony of his 
 wounds, followed the example of his antagonist, and hastily 
 seizing a similar bottle of much larger dimensions, threw it 
 with such force that it split between the eyes of his opponent. 
 Thus with these dreadful weapons did they commence the 
 mortal strife. 
 
 The lovers of good order, or at least of fair play, gathered 
 round the combatants, forming an almost impregnable ring, 
 yet of sufficient dimensions to avoid the missiles. * Go it, 
 red-head. /' 'Bravo! white apron /' resounded on every side. 
 Draughts now met draughts in their passage through the 
 circumambient air, and exploded like shells over a besieged 
 town. Boluses were fired with the precision of cannon-shot, 
 pill-boxes were thrown with such force that they burst like 
 grape and canister, while acids and alkalies hissed, as they 
 neutralised each other's power, with all the venom of expiring 
 snakes. ' Bravo ! white apron ! ' * Red-head for ever ! ' 
 resounded on every side as the conflict continued with 
 unabated vigour. The ammunition was fast expending on 
 both sides, when Mr. Ebenezer Pleggit, hearing the noise, and 
 perhaps smelling his own drugs, was so unfortunately rash 
 and so unwisely foolhardy as to break through the sacred ring, 
 advancing from behind with uplifted cane to fell the redoubt- 
 able Timothy, when a mixture of his own, hurled by his own 
 red-haired champion, caught him in his open mouth, breaking 
 against his only two remaining front teeth, extracting them as 
 the discharged liquid ran down his throat, and turning him as 
 sick as a dog. He fell, was taken away on a shutter, and it 
 was some days before he was again to be seen in his shop, 
 dispensing those medicines which, on this fatal occasion, he 
 would but too gladly have dispensed with. 
 
 Reader, have you not elsewhere read in the mortal fray 
 between knights, when the casque has been beaten off, the 
 shield lost, and the sword shivered, how they have resorted to 
 
 D 33 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 closer and more deadly strife with their daggers raised on 
 high ? Thus it was with Timothy : his means had failed, and 
 disdaining any longer to wage a distant combat, he closed 
 vigorously with his panting enemy, overthrew him in the first 
 struggle, seizing from his basket the only weapons which 
 remained, one single vial, and one single box of pills. As he 
 sat upon his prostrate foe, first he forced the box of pills into 
 his gasping mouth, and then with the lower end of the vial he 
 drove it down his throat, as a gunner rams home the wad and 
 shot into a thirty-two pound carronade. Choked with the box, 
 the fallen knight held up his hands for quarter ; but Timothy 
 continued until the end of the vial, breaking out the top and 
 bottom of the pasteboard receptacle, forty-and-eight of anti- 
 bilious pills rolled in haste down Red-head's throat. Timothy 
 then seized his basket, and amid the shouts of triumph, walked 
 away. His fallen-crested adversary coughed up the remnants 
 of the pasteboard, once more breathed, and was led disconso- 
 late to the neighbouring pump ; while Timothy regained our 
 shop with his blushing honours thick upon him. 
 
 But I must drop the vein heroical. Mr. Cophagus, who 
 was at home when Timothy returned, was at first very much 
 inclined to be wroth at the loss of so much medicine ; but 
 when he heard the story, and the finale, he was so pleased at 
 Tim's double victory over Mr. Pleggit and his messenger, that 
 he actually put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out half- 
 a-crown. 
 
 Mr. Pleggit, on the contrary, was anything but pleased ; 
 he went to a lawyer, and commenced an action for assault 
 and battery, and all the neighbourhood did nothing but talk 
 about the affray which had taken place, and the action at law 
 which it was said would take place in the ensuing term. 
 
 But with the exception of this fracas, which ended in the 
 action not holding good, whereby the animosity was increased, 
 I have little to recount during the remainder of the time I 
 served under Mr. Cophagus. I had been more than three 
 years with him when my confinement became insupportable. 
 I had but one idea, which performed an everlasting cycle in 
 my brain Who was my father ? And I should have aban- 
 doned the profession to search the world in the hope of finding 
 my progenitor, had it not been that I was without the means. 
 Latterly, I had hoarded up all I could collect ; but the sum 
 
 34 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was small, much too small for the proposed expedition. I 
 became melancholy, indifferent to the business, and slovenly 
 in my appearance, when a circumstance occurred which put 
 an end to my further dispensing medicines, and left me a free 
 agent. 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 Looking out for business not exactly minding your own business The 
 loss of the scales occasions the loss of place to Timothy and me, who 
 when weighed in other scales were found wanting We bundle off 
 with our bundles on. 
 
 IT happened one market-day that there was an over-driven, 
 infuriated beast, which was making sad havoc. Crowds of 
 people were running past our shop in one direction, and the 
 cries of ' Mad bull ! ' were re-echoed in every quarter. Mr. 
 Cophagus, who was in the shop, and to whom, as I have 
 before observed, a mad bull was a source of great profit, very 
 naturally looked out of the shop to ascertain whether the 
 animal was near to us. Ln most other countries, when people 
 hear of any danger, they generally avoid it by increasing their 
 distance ; but in England, it is too often the case, that they 
 are so fond of indulging their curiosity, that they run to the 
 danger. Mr. Cophagus, who perceived the people running 
 one way, naturally supposed, not being aware of the extreme 
 proximity of the animal, that the people were running to see 
 what was the matter, and ' turned his eyes in that direction, 
 walking out on the pavement that he might have a fairer view. 
 He was just observing, * Can't say fear um rascal Pleggit 
 close to him get all the custom wounds contusions 
 
 and ' when the animal came suddenly round the corner 
 
 upon Mr. Cophagus, who had his eyes the other way, and 
 before he could escape, tossed him through his own shop 
 windows, and landed him on the counter. Not satisfied with 
 this, the beast followed him into the shop. Timothy and I 
 pulled Mr. Cophagus over towards us, and he dropped inside 
 the counter, where we also crouched, frightened out of our 
 wits. To our great horror the bull made one or two attempts 
 to leap the counter ; but not succeeding, and being now 
 
 35 
 
1 The bull made one or two attempts to leap the counter' 
 Cofyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 attacked by the dogs and butcher boys, he charged at them 
 through the door, carrying away our best scales on his horns 
 as a trophy, as he galloped out of the shop in pursuit of his 
 persecutors. When the shouts and hallooes were at some 
 little distance, Timothy and I raised our heads and looked 
 round us ; and perceiving that all was safe, we proceeded to 
 help Mr. Cophagus, who remained on the floor bleeding, and 
 in a state of insensibility. We carried him into the back 
 parlour and laid him on the sofa. I desired Timothy to run 
 for surgical aid as fast as he could, while I opened a vein ; 
 and in a few minutes he returned with our opponent, Mr. 
 Ebenezer Pleggit. We stripped Mr. Cophagus, and proceeded 
 to examine him. ' Bad case this very bad case, indeed, Mr. 
 Newland dislocation of the os humeri severe contusion on 
 the os frontis and I'm very much afraid there is some inter- 
 costal injury. Very sorry, very sorry, indeed, for my brother 
 Cophagus.' But Mr. Pleggit did not appear to be sorry ; on 
 the contrary, he appeared to perform his surgical duties with 
 the greatest glee. 
 
 We reduced the dislocation, and then carried Mr. Cophagus 
 up to his bed. In an hour he was sensible ; and Mr. Pleggit 
 took his departure, shaking hands with Mr. Cophagus, and 
 wishing him joy of his providential escape. * Bad job, Japhet,' 
 said Mr. Cophagus to me. 
 
 ' Very bad, indeed, sir ; but it might have been worse.' 
 ' Worse um no, nothing worse not possible.' 
 
 * Why, sir, you might have been killed.' 
 
 * Pooh ! didn't mean that mean Pleggit rascal um 
 kill me if he can shan't though soon get rid of him and 
 so on.' 
 
 ' You will not require his further attendance now that your 
 shoulder is reduced. I can very well attend upon you.' 
 
 * Very true, Japhet ; but won't go sure of that damned 
 rascal quite pleased I saw it um eyes twinkled smile 
 checked and so on.' 
 
 That evening Mr. Pleggit called in as Mr. Cophagus said 
 that he would, and the latter showed a great deal of im- 
 patience ; but Mr. Pleggit repeated his visits over and over 
 again, and I observed that Mr. Cophagus no longer made any 
 objection ; on the contrary, seemed anxious for his coming, 
 and still more so, after he was convalescent, and able to sit at 
 
 37 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 his table. But the mystery was soon divulged. It appeared 
 that Mr. Cophagus, although he was very glad that other 
 people should suffer from mad bulls, and come to be cured, 
 viewed the case in a very different light when the bull thought 
 proper to toss him, and having now realised a comfortable 
 independence, he had resolved to retire from business, and 
 from a site attended with so much danger. A hint of this 
 escaping him when Mr. Pleggit was attending him on the 
 third day after his accident, the latter, who knew the value of 
 the locale, also hinted that if Mr. Cophagus was inclined so to 
 do, that he would be most happy to enter into an arrangement 
 with him. Self-interest will not only change friendship into 
 enmity, in this rascally world, but also turn enmity into friend- 
 ship. All Mr. Pleggit's enormities, and all Mr. Cophagus's 
 shameful conduct, were mutually forgotten. In less than ten 
 minutes it was 'My dear Mr. Pleggit, and so on,' and ' My 
 dear brother Cophagus? 
 
 In three weeks everything had been arranged between 
 them, and the shop, fixtures, stock in trade, and good will, 
 were all the property of our ancient antagonist. But although 
 Mr. Pleggit could shake hands with Mr. Cophagus for his 
 fixtures and good will, yet as Timothy and I were not in- 
 cluded in the good will, neither were we included among the 
 fixtttres, and Mr. Cophagus could not, of course, interfere 
 with Mr. Pleggit's private arrangements. He did all he could 
 do in the way of recommendation ; but Mr. Pleggit had not 
 forgotten my occasional impertinences or the battle of the 
 bottles. I really believe that his ill will against Timothy was 
 one reason for purchasing the good will of Mr. Cophagus ; 
 and we were very gently told by Mr. Pleggit that he would 
 have no occasion for our services. 
 
 Mr. Cophagus offered to procure me another situation as 
 soon as he could, and at the same time presented me with 
 twenty guineas, as a proof of his regard and appreciation of my 
 conduct but this sum put in my hand decided me : I thanked 
 him, and told him I had other views at present, but hoped he 
 would let me know where I might find him hereafter, as I 
 should be glad to see him again. He told me he would leave 
 his address for me at the Foundling Hospital, and shaking me 
 heartily by the hand, we parted. Timothy was then summoned. 
 Mr. Cophagus gave him five guineas, and wished him good fortune. 
 
 38 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' And now, Japhet, what are you about to do ? ' said 
 Timothy, as he descended into the shop. 
 
 ' To do,' replied I ; ' I am about to leave you, which is the 
 only thing I am sorry for. I am going, Timothy, in search of 
 my father.' 
 
 ' Well,' replied Timothy, ' I feel as you do, Japhet, that it 
 will be hard to part ; and there is another thing on my mind 
 which is, I am very sorry that the bull did not break the 
 rudimans (pointing to the iron mortar and pestle) ; had he had 
 but half the spite I have against it, he would not have left a 
 piece as big as a thimble. I've a great mind to have a smack 
 at it before I go.' 
 
 'You will only injure Mr. Cophagus, for the mortar will 
 not then be paid for.' 
 
 * Very true ; and as he has just given me five guineas, I 
 will refrain from my just indignation. But now, Japhet, let 
 me speak to you. I don't know how you feel, but I feel as if 
 I could not part with you. I do not want to go in search of 
 my father particularly. They say it's a wise child that knows 
 its own father but as there can be no doubt of my other 
 parent if I can only hit upon her, I have a strong inclination 
 to go in search of my mother, and if you like my company, 
 why, I will go with you always, my dear Japhet,' continued 
 Tim, 'keeping in my mind the great difference between a 
 person who has been fee'd as an M.D., and a lad who only 
 carries out his prescriptions.' 
 
 ' Do you really mean to say, Tim, that you will go with 
 me ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, to the end of the world, Japhet, as your companion, 
 your friend, and your servant, if you require it. I love you, 
 Japhet, and I will serve you faithfully.' 
 
 ' My dear Tim, I am delighted ; now I am really happy : 
 we will have but one purse, and but one interest ; if I find 
 good fortune, you shall share it.' 
 
 ' And if you meet with ill luck, I will share that too so 
 the affair is settled and as here comes Mr. Pleggit's assistants 
 with only one pair of eyes between them, the sooner we pack 
 up the better.' 
 
 In half an hour all was ready ; a bundle each, contained 
 our wardrobes. We descended from our attic, walked proudly 
 through the shop without making any observation, or taking 
 
 39 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 any notice of our successors ; all the notice taken was by 
 Timothy, who turned round and shook his fist at his old 
 enemies, the iron mortar and pestle ; and there we were, 
 standing on the pavement, with the wide world before us, and 
 quite undecided which way we should go. 
 
 'Is it to be east, west, north, or south, Japhet ? ' said 
 Timothy. 
 
 1 The wise men came from the east,' replied I. 
 
 ' Then they must have travelled west,' said Tim ; * let us 
 show our wisdom by doing the same.' 
 
 ' Agreed.' 
 
 Passing by a small shop we purchased two good sticks, as 
 defenders, as well as to hang our bundles on and off we set 
 upon our pilgrimage. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 We take a coach, but the driver does not like his fare and hits us foul 
 We change our mode of travelling, upon the principle of slow and 
 sure, and fall in with a very learned man. 
 
 I BELIEVE it to be a very general custom, when people set off 
 upon a journey, to reckon up their means that is, to count 
 the money which they may have in their pockets. At all 
 events, this was done by Timothy and me, and I found that 
 my stock amounted to twenty-two pounds eighteen shillings, 
 and Timothy's to the five guineas presented by Mr. Cophagus, 
 and three halfpence which were in the corner of his waistcoat 
 pocket sum total, twenty -eight pounds three shillings and 
 three halfpence ; a very handsome sum, as we thought, with 
 which to commence our peregrinations, and, as I observed to 
 Timothy, sufficient to last us for a considerable time, if 
 husbanded with care. 
 
 'Yes,' replied he, 'but we must husband our legs also, 
 Japhet, or we shall soon be tired, and very soon wear out our 
 shoes. I vote we take a hackney coach.' 
 
 ' Take a hackney coach, Tim ! we mustn't think of it ; we 
 cannot afford such a luxury ; you can't be tired yet, we are 
 now only just clear of Hyde Park Corner.' 
 
 40 
 
IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Still I think we had better take a coach, Japhet, and here 
 is one coming. I always do take one when I carry out 
 medicines, to make up for the time I lose looking at the shops, 
 and playing peg in the ring.' 
 
 I now understood what Timothy meant, which was, to get 
 behind and have a ride for nothing. I consented to this 
 arrangement, and we got up behind one which was already 
 well filled inside. 'The only difference between an inside 
 and outside passenger in a hackney coach is, that one pays, 
 and the other does not,' said I, to Timothy, as we rolled along 
 at the act of parliament speed of four miles per hour. 
 
 ' That depends upon circumstances : if we are found out, in 
 all probability we shall not only have our ride, but be paid 
 into the bargain. 
 
 * With the coachman's whip, I presume ? ' 
 
 * Exactly.' And Timothy had hardly time to get the word 
 out of his mouth, when flac, flac, came the whip across our 
 eyes a little envious wretch, with his shirt hanging out of his 
 trowsers, having called out Cut behind ! Not wishing to have 
 our faces or our behinds cut any more, we hastily descended, 
 and reached the footpath, after having gained about three 
 miles on the road before we were discovered. 
 
 * That wasn't a bad lift, Japhet, and as for the whip I never 
 mind that with corduroys. And now, Japhet, I'll tell you 
 something ; we must get into a waggon, if we can find one 
 going down the road, as soon as it is dark.' 
 
 ' But that will cost money, Tim.' 
 
 ' It's economy, I tell you ; for a shilling, if you bargain, you 
 may ride the whole night, and if we stop at a public-house to 
 sleep, we shall have to pay for our beds, as well as be obliged 
 to order something to eat, and pay dearer for it than if we buy 
 what we want at cooks' shops.' 
 
 ' There is sense in what you say, Timothy ; we will look 
 out for a waggon.' 
 
 ' Oh ! it's no use now waggons are like black beetles, not 
 only in shape but in habits, they only travel by night at least 
 most of them do. We are now coming into long dirty Brent- 
 ford, and I don't know how you feel, Japhet, but I find that 
 walking wonderfully increases the appetite that's another 
 reason why you should not walk when you can ride for 
 nothing.' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'Well, I'm rather hungry myself; and dear me, how very 
 good that piece of roast pork looks in that window ! ' 
 
 ' I agree with you let's go in and make a bargain ! ' 
 
 We bought a good allowance for a shilling, and after 
 sticking out for a greater proportion of mustard than the 
 woman said we were entitled to, and some salt, we wrapped it 
 up in a piece of paper, and continued our course, till we arrived 
 at a baker's, where we purchased our bread ; and then taking 
 up a position on a bench outside a public-house, called for a 
 pot of beer, and putting our provisions down before us, made 
 a hearty, and, what made us more enjoy it, an independent 
 meal. Having finished our pork and our porter, and refreshed 
 ourselves, we again started and walked till it was quite dark, 
 when we felt so tired that we agreed to sit down on our 
 bundles and wait for the first waggon which passed. We 
 soon heard the jingling of bells, and shortly afterwards its 
 enormous towering bulk appeared between us and the sky. 
 We went up to the waggoner, who was mounted on a little 
 pony, and asked him if he could give two poor lads a lift, and 
 how much he would charge us for the ride. 
 
 ' How much can ye afford to give, measters ? for there be 
 others as poor as ye.' We replied that we could give a 
 shilling. ' Well, then, get up in God's name, and ride as long 
 as you will. Get in behind.' 
 
 'Are there many people in there already?' said I, as I 
 climbed up, and Timothy handed me the bundles. 
 
 ' Noa,' replied the waggoner, ' there be nobody but a mighty 
 clever poticary or doctor, I can't tell which ; but he wear an 
 uncommon queer hat, and he talk all sort of doctor stuff 
 and there be his odd man and his odd boy ; that be all, and 
 there be plenty of room, and plenty o' clean strct? 
 
 After this intimation we climbed up, and gained a situation 
 in the rear of the waggon under the cloth. As the waggoner 
 said, there was plenty of room, and we nestled into the straw 
 without coming into contact with the other travellers. Not 
 feeling any inclination to sleep, Timothy and I entered into 
 conversation, sotto voce^ and had continued for more than half 
 an hour, supposing by their silence that the other occupants 
 of the waggon were asleep, when we were interrupted by a 
 voice clear and sonorous as a bell. 
 
 ' It would appear that you are wanderers, young men, and 
 42 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 journey you know not whither. Birds seek their nests when 
 the night falls beasts hasten to their lairs man bolts his 
 door. " Propria qua maribus," as Herodotus hath it ; which, 
 when translated, means, that " Such is the nature of mankind." 
 " Tribuuntur mascula dicas" " Tell me your troubles," as 
 Homer says.' 
 
 I was very much surprised at this address my knowledge 
 of the language told me immediately that the quotations were 
 out of the Latin grammar, and that all his learning was pre- 
 tence ; still there was a novelty of style which amused me, and 
 at the same time gave me an idea that the speaker was an un- 
 common personage. I gave Timothy a nudge, and then replied : 
 
 ' You have guessed right, most learned sir ; we are, as you 
 say, wanderers seeking our fortunes, and trust yet to find them 
 still we have a weary journey before us. " Haustus hord 
 somni sumendum" as Aristotle hath it ; which I need not 
 translate to so learned a person as yourself.' 
 
 4 Nay, indeed, there is no occasion ; yet am I pleased to 
 meet with one who hath scholarship,' replied the other. 
 ' Have you also a knowledge of the Greek ? ' 
 
 * No, I pretend not to Greek.' 
 
 'It is a pity that thou hast it not, for thou wouldst delight 
 to commune with the ancients. Esculapius hath these words 
 " As^0/der offmotton accapon pasti vewz'son," which I 
 will translate for thee " We often find what we seek when we 
 least expect it." May it be so with you, my friend. Where 
 have you been educated ? and what has been your profession?' 
 
 I thought I risked little in telling, so I replied, that I had 
 been brought up as a surgeon and apothecary, and had been 
 educated at a foundation school. 
 
 ' 'Tis well,' replied he ; ' you have then commenced yoj\r 
 studies in my glorious profession ; still, have you much to 
 learn ; years of toil, under a great master, can only enable 
 you to benefit mankind as I have done, and years of hardship 
 and of danger must be added thereunto, to afford you the 
 means. There are many hidden secrets. " Ut sunt Divorum, 
 Mars, Bacchus, Apollo, Virorum" many parts of the globe 
 to traverse, " Ut Cato, Virgilius, fluviorum, ut Tibris, Orontes" 
 All these have I visited, and many more. Even now do I 
 journey to obtain more of my invaluable medicine, gathered 
 on the highest Andes, when the moon is in her perigee. 
 
 43 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 There I shall remain for months among the clouds, looking 
 down upon the great plain of Mexico, which shall appear no 
 larger than the head of a pin, where the voice of man is heard 
 not. " Vocito, vocitas, vocitavi," bending for months towards 
 the earth. "As in presenti," suffering with the cold "frico 
 quodfricui dat," as Eusebius hath it. Soon shall I be borne 
 away by the howling winds towards the New World, where I 
 can obtain more of the wonderful medicine, which I may say 
 never yet hath failed me, and which nothing but love towards 
 my race induces me to gather at such pains and risk.' 
 
 ' Indeed, sir,' replied I, amused with his imposition, ' I 
 should like to accompany you for, as Josephus says most 
 truly, " Capiat pilules duce post prandium." Travel is, indeed, 
 a most delightful occupation, and I would like to run over the 
 whole world.' 
 
 4 And I would like to follow you,' interrupted Timothy. 
 * I suspect we have commenced our grand tour already three 
 miles behind a hackney coach ten on foot, and about two, I 
 should think, in this waggon. But as Cophagus says, 
 " Cochlearija crash many summendush" which means, " There 
 are ups and downs in this world." ' 
 
 ' Hah ! ' exclaimed our companion. * He, also, has the 
 rudiments.' 
 
 ' Nay, I hope I've done with the RudimansJ replied 
 Timothy. 
 
 ' Is he your follower ?' inquired the man. 
 
 'That very much depends upon who walks first,' replied 
 Timothy, ' but whether or no we hunt in couples.' 
 
 ' 1 understand you are companions. " Concordat cum 
 nominativo numero et persona." Tell me, can you roll pills, 
 can you use the pestle and the mortar, handle the scapula, 
 and mix ingredients ? ' 
 
 I replied, that of course I knew my profession. 
 
 'Well, then, as we have still some hours of night, let us 
 now obtain some rest. In the morning, when the sun hath 
 introduced us to each other, I may then judge from your 
 countenances whether it is likely that we may be better 
 acquainted. Night is the time for repose, as Quintus Curtius 
 says, " Gustos, bos, fur atque sacerdos" Sleep was made for 
 all my friends, good-night.' 
 
 44 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 In which the adventures in the waggon are continued, and we become 
 more puzzled with our new companions We leave off talking Latin, 
 and enter into an engagement. 
 
 TIMOTHY and I took his advice, and were soon fast asleep. 
 I was awakened the next morning by feeling a hand in my 
 trowsers pocket. I seized it, and held it fast. 
 
 * Now just let go my hand, will you ? ' cried a lachrymal 
 voice. 
 
 I jumped up it was broad daylight, and looked at the 
 human frame to which the hand was an appendix. It was a 
 very spare, awkwardly-built form of a young man, apparently 
 about twenty years old, but without the least sign of manhood 
 on his chin. His face was cadaverous, with large goggling 
 eyes, high cheek-bones, hair long and ragged, reminding me 
 of a rat's nest, thin lips, and ears large almost as an elephant's. 
 A more woe-begone wretch in appearance I never beheld, and 
 I continued to look at him with surprise. He repeated his 
 words with an idiotical expression, * Just let go my hand, can't 
 you?' 
 
 * What business had your hand in my pocket ? ' replied I, 
 angrily. 
 
 * I was feeling for my pocket handkerchief,' replied the 
 young man. * I always keeps it in my breeches pocket.' 
 
 ' But not in your neighbour's, I presume ? ' 
 
 ' My neighbour's ! ' replied he, with a vacant stare. ' Well, 
 so it is, I see now I thought it was my own.' 
 
 I released his hand ; he immediately put it into his own 
 pocket, and drew out his handkerchief, if the rag deserved the 
 appellation. 
 
 'There,' said he, 'I told you I put it in that pocket I 
 always do.' 
 
 * And pray who are you ? ' said I, as I looked at his dress, 
 which was a pair of loose white Turkish trowsers, and an old 
 spangled jacket. 
 
 1 Me ! why, I'm the fool.' 
 
 45 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' More knave than fool, I expect,' replied I, still much 
 puzzled with his strange appearance and dress. 
 
 ' Nay, there you mistake,' said the voice of last night. 
 ' He is not only a fool by profession, but one by nature. It is 
 a half-witted creature, who serves me when I would attract 
 the people. Strange, in this world, that wisdom may cry in 
 the streets without being noticed, yet folly will always command 
 a crowd.' 
 
 During this address I turned my eyes upon the speaker. 
 He was an elderly-looking person, with white hair, dressed in 
 a suit of black, ruffles and frill. His eyes were brilliant, but 
 the remainder of his face it was difficult to decipher, as it was 
 evidently painted, and the night's jumbling in the waggon had 
 so smeared it, that it appeared of almost every colour in the 
 rainbow. On one side of him lay a large three-cornered 
 cocked hat, on the other, a little lump of a boy, rolled up in 
 the straw like a marmot, and still sound asleep. Timothy 
 looked at me, and when he caught my eye, burst out into a 
 laugh. 
 
 'You laugh at my appearance, I presume,' said the old 
 man, mildly. 
 
 'I do in truth,' replied Timothy. ' I never saw one like 
 you before, and I dare say never shall again.' 
 
 ' That is possible ; yet probably if you meet me again, you 
 would not know me.' 
 
 'Among a hundred thousand,' replied Timothy, with in- 
 creased mirth. 
 
 ' We shall see, perhaps,' replied the quack doctor, for such 
 the reader must have already ascertained to be his profession ; 
 ' but the waggon has stopped, and the driver will bait his 
 horses. If inclined to eat, now is your time. Come, Jumbo, 
 get up ; Philotas, waken him, and follow me.' 
 
 Philotas, for so was the fool styled by his master, twisted 
 up some straw, and stuffed the end of it into Jumbo's mouth. 
 ' Now Jumbo will think he has got something to eat. I 
 always wake him that way,' observed the fool, grinning 
 at us. 
 
 It certainly, as might be expected, did waken Jumbo, who 
 uncoiled himself, rubbed his eyes, stared at the tilt of the 
 waggon, then at us, and without saying a word, rolled himself 
 out after the fool. Timothy and I followed. We found the 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 doctor bargaining for some bread and bacon, his strange 
 appearance exciting much amusement, and inducing the people 
 to let him have a better bargain than perhaps otherwise they 
 would have done. He gave a part of the refreshment to the 
 boy and the fool, and walked out of the tap-room with his own 
 share. Timothy and I went to the pump, and had a good 
 refreshing wash, and then for a shilling were permitted to 
 make a very hearty breakfast. The waggon having remained 
 about an hour, the driver gave us notice of his departure ; 
 but the doctor was nowhere to be found. After a little delay, 
 the waggoner drove off, cursing him for a bilk, and vowing 
 that he'd never have any more to do with a 'larned man.' 
 In the meantime Timothy and I had taken our seats in the 
 waggon, in company with the fool, and Master Jumbo. We 
 commenced a conversation with the former, and soon found 
 out, as the doctor had asserted, that he really was an idiot, so 
 much so that it was painful to converse with him. As for the 
 latter, he had coiled himself away to take a little more sleep. 
 I forgot to mention, that the boy was dressed much in the 
 same way as the fool, in an old spangled jacket, and dirty 
 white trowsers. For about an hour Timothy and I conversed, 
 remarking upon the strange disappearance of the doctor, 
 especially as he had given us hopes of employing us ; in 
 accepting which offer, if ever it should be made, we had not 
 made up our minds, when we were interrupted with a voice 
 crying out, * Hillo, my man, can you give a chap a lift as far 
 as Reading, for a shilling ? ' 
 
 ' Ay, get up, and welcome,' replied the waggoner. 
 
 The waggon did not stop, but in a moment or two the new 
 passenger climbed in. He was dressed in a clean smock 
 frock, neatly worked up the front, leather gaiters, and stout 
 shoes ; a bundle and a stick were in his hand. He smiled as 
 he looked round upon the company, and showed a beautiful 
 set of teeth. His face was dark, and sun-burnt, but very 
 handsome, and his eyes as black as coal, and as brilliant as 
 gas. ' Heh ! player folk I've a notion,' said he, as he sat 
 down, looking at the doctor's attendants, and laughing at us. 
 * Have you come far, gentlemen ? ' continued he. 
 
 ' From London,' was my reply. 
 
 4 How do the crops look up above, for down here the turnips 
 seem to have failed altogether ? Dry seasons won't do for turnips.' 
 
 47 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I replied that I really could not satisfy him on that point, 
 as it was dark when we passed. 
 
 'Very true I had forgotten that, 3 replied he. 'However, 
 the barleys look well ; but perhaps you don't understand 
 farming ? ' 
 
 I replied in the negative, and the conversation was kept 
 up for two or three hours, in the course of which I mentioned 
 the quack doctor, and his strange departure. 
 
 ' That is the fellow who cured so many people at ,' 
 
 replied he ; and the conversation then turned upon his pro- 
 fession and mode of life, which Timothy and I agreed must be 
 very amusing. ' We shall meet him again, I dare say,' replied 
 the man. ' Would you know him ? ' 
 
 ' I think so, indeed,' replied Timothy, laughing. 
 
 ' Yes, and so you would think that you would know a 
 guinea from a half-penny, if I put it into your hands,' replied 
 the man. ' I do not wish to lay a bet, and win your money ; 
 but I tell you, that I will put either the one or the other into 
 each of your hands, and if you hold it fast for one minute, and 
 shut your eyes during that time, you will not be able to tell 
 me which it is that you have in it.' 
 
 ' That I am sure I would,' replied Tim ; and I made the 
 same assertion. 
 
 'Well, I was taken in that way at a fair, and lost ten 
 shillings by the wager ; now, we'll try whether you can tell or 
 not.' He took out some money from his pocket, which he 
 selected without our seeing it, put a coin into the hand of each 
 of us, closing our fists over it, ' and now,' said he, ' keep your 
 eyes shut for a minute.' 
 
 We did so, and a second or two afterwards we heard a 
 voice which we instantly recognised. * Nay, but it was wrong 
 to leave me on the way-side thus, having agreed to pay the 
 sum demanded. At my age one walketh not without fatigue, 
 " Excipenda tamen qucedam sunt urbtum" as Philostratus says, 
 meaning, " That old limbs lose their activity, and seek the help 
 of a crutch." ' 
 
 ' There's the doctor,' cried Timothy, with his eyes still shut. 
 
 * Now open your eyes,' said the man, ' and tell me, before 
 you open your hand, what there is in it.' 
 
 ' A halfpenny in mine,' said Tim. 
 
 ' A guinea in mine,' replied I. 
 48 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 We opened our hands, and they were empty. 
 
 ' Where the devil is it ? ' exclaimed I, looking at Tim. 
 
 ' And where the devil's the doctor?' replied he, looking round. 
 
 * The money is in the doctor's pocket,' replied the man, 
 smiling. 
 
 ' Then where is the doctor's pocket ? ' 
 
 ' Here,' replied he, slapping his pocket, and looking 
 significantly at us. * I thought you were certain of knowing 
 him again. About as certain as you were of telling the 
 money in your hand.' 
 
 He then, to our astonishment, imitated the doctor's 
 voice, and quoted prosody, syntax, and Latin. Timothy and 
 I were still in astonishment, when he continued, ' If I had not 
 found out that you were in want of employ, and further, that 
 your services would be useful to me, I should not have made 
 this discovery. Do you now think that you know enough to 
 enter into my service ? It is light work, and not bad pay ; 
 and now you may choose.' 
 
 ' I trust,' said I, * that there is no dishonesty ? ' 
 
 ' None that you need practise, if you are so scrupulous : 
 perhaps your scruples may some day be removed. I make 
 the most of my wares every merchant does the same. I 
 practise upon the folly of mankind it is on that, that wise 
 men live.' 
 
 Timothy gave me a push, and nodded his head for me to 
 give my consent. I reflected a few seconds, and at last I 
 extended my hand. ' I consent,' replied I, ' with the reserva- 
 tion I have made.' 
 
 You will not repent,' said he ; ' and I will take your 
 companion, not that I want him particularly, but I do want 
 you. The fact is, I want a lad of gentlemanly address, and 
 handsome appearance with the very knowledge you possess 
 and now we will say no more for the present. By the bye, was 
 that real Latin of yours ? ' 
 
 * No,' replied I, laughing ; ' you quoted the grammar, and 
 I replied with medical prescriptions. One was as good as the 
 other.' 
 
 ' Quite nay, better ; for the school-boys may find me out, 
 but not you. But now observe, when we come to the next 
 cross road, we must get down at leas.t, I expect so ; but we 
 shall know in a minute.' 
 
 E 49 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 In about the time he mentioned, a dark, gipsy-looking man 
 looked into the waggon, and spoke to our acquaintance in an 
 unknown language. He replied in the same, and the man 
 disappeared. We continued our route for about a quarter of 
 an hour, when he got out, asked us to follow him, and 
 speaking a few words to the fool, which I did not hear, left 
 him and the boy in the waggon. We paid our fare, took 
 possession of our bundles, and followed our new companion 
 for a few minutes on the cross road, when he stopped, and 
 said, ' I must now leave you, to prepare for your reception 
 into our fraternity ; continue straight on this road until you 
 arrive at a lime-kiln, and wait there till I come.' 
 
 He sprang over a stile, and took a direction verging at an 
 angle from the road, forced his way through a hedge, and 
 disappeared from our sight. ' Upon my word, Timothy,' 
 said I, ' I hardly know what to say to this. Have we done 
 right in trusting to this man, who, I am afraid, is a great 
 rogue ? I do not much like mixing with these gipsy people, 
 for such I am sure he belongs to.' 
 
 * I really do not see how we can do better,' replied Timothy. 
 ' The world is all before us, and we must force our own way 
 through it. As for his being a quack doctor, I see no great 
 harm in that. People put their faith in nostrums more than 
 they do in regular medicines ; and it is well known that quack 
 medicines, as they call them, cure as often as others, merely 
 for that very reason.' 
 
 ' Very true, Timothy ; the mind once at ease, the body 
 soon recovers, and faith, even in quack medicines, will often 
 make people whole ; but do you think that he does no more 
 than impose upon people in that way ? ' 
 
 ' He may, or he may not ; at all events, we need do no 
 more, I suppose.' 
 
 1 1 am not sure of that ; however, we shall see. He says 
 we may be useful to him, and I suppose we shall be, or he 
 would not have engaged us we shall soon find out.' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 In which the reader is introduced to several new acquaintances, and all 
 connected with them, except birth and parentage, which appears to 
 be the one thing wanting throughout the whole of this work. 
 
 BY this time we had arrived at the lime-kiln to which we had 
 been directed, and we sat down on our bundles, chatting for 
 about five minutes, when our new acquaintance made his 
 appearance, with something in his hand, tied up in a 
 handkerchief. 
 
 * You may as well put your coats into your bundles, and 
 put on these frocks,' said he ; ' you will appear better among 
 us, and be better received, for there is a gathering now, and 
 some of them are queer customers. However, you have 
 nothing to fear ; when once you are with my wife and me, you 
 are quite safe ; her little finger would protect you from five 
 hundred.' 
 
 * Your wife ! who, then, is she ? ' inquired I, as I put my 
 head through the smock frock. 
 
 ' She is a great personage among the gipsies. She is, by 
 descent, one of the heads of the tribe, and none dare to 
 disobey her.' 
 
 ' And you are you a gipsy ? ' 
 
 No, and yes. By birth I am not, but by choice, and 
 marriage, I am admitted ; but I was not born under a hedge, 
 I can assure you, although I very often pass a night there 
 now that is, when I am domestic ; but do not think that you 
 are to remain long here ; we shall leave in a few days, and 
 may not meet the tribe again for months, although you may 
 see my own family occasionally. I did not ask you to join 
 me to pass a gipsy's life no, no, we must be stirring and 
 active. Come, we are now close to them. Do not speak as 
 you pass the huts, until you have entered mine. Then you 
 may do as you please.' 
 
 We turned short round, passed through a gap in the hedge, 
 and found ourselves on a small retired piece of common, 
 which was studded with about twenty or thirty low gipsy huts. 
 The fires were alight and provisions apparently cooking. We 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 passed by nine or ten, and obeyed our guide's injunctions to 
 keep silence. At last we stopped, and perceived ourselves to 
 be standing by the fool, who was dressed like us, in a smock 
 frock, and Mr. Jumbo, who was very busy making the pot 
 boil, blowing at the sticks underneath till he was black in the 
 face. Several of the men passed near us, and examined us 
 with no very pleasant expression of countenance ; and we 
 were not sorry to see our conductor, who had gone into the 
 hut, return, followed by a woman, to whom he was speaking 
 in the language of the tribe. ' Nattde bids you welcome,' 
 said he, as she approached. 
 
 Never in my life will the remembrance of the first appear- 
 ance of Nattde, and the effect it had upon me, be erased from 
 my memory. She was tall, too tall, had it not been for the 
 perfect symmetry of her form. Her face of a clear olive, and 
 oval in shape ; her eyes jetty black ; nose straight, and 
 beautifully formed ; mouth small, thin lips, with a slight curl 
 of disdain, and pearly teeth. I never beheld a woman of so 
 commanding a presence. Her feet were bare, but very small, 
 as well as her hands. On her fingers she wore many rings, 
 of a curious old setting, and a piece of gold hung on her 
 forehead, where the hair was parted. She looked at us, 
 touched her high forehead with the ends of her fingers, and 
 waving her hand gracefully, said, in a soft voice, 'You are 
 welcome,' and then turned to her husband, speaking to him in 
 her own language, until by degrees they separated from us in 
 earnest conversation. 
 
 She returned to us after a short time, without her husband, 
 and said, in a voice, the notes of which were indeed soft, but 
 the delivery of the words was most determined : ' I have said 
 that you are welcome ; sit down, therefore, and share with us 
 fear nothing, you have no cause to fear. Be faithful, then, 
 while you serve him ; and when you would quit us, say so, 
 and receive your leave to depart ; but if you attempt to desert 
 us without permission, then we shall suspect that you are our 
 enemies, and treat you accordingly. There is your lodging 
 while here,' continued she, pointing to another hut. ' There 
 is but one child with you, his boy (pointing to Jumbo), who 
 can lie at your feet. And now join us as friends. Fleta, 
 where are you ? ' 
 
 A soft voice answered from the tent of Nattee, and soon 
 
 5 2 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 afterwards came out a little girl, of about eleven years old. 
 The appearance of this child was a new source of interest. 
 She was a little fairy figure, with a skin as white as the driven 
 snow light auburn hair, and large blue eyes ; her dress was 
 scanty, and showed a large portion of her taper legs. She 
 hastened to Nattee, and folding her arms across her breast, 
 stood still, saying meekly, * I am here.' 
 
 * Know these as friends, Fleta. Send that lazy Num (this 
 
 
 'V*? 
 
 ' You are welcome' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan Or Co. 
 
 was Philotas, the fool) for more wood, and see that Jumbo 
 tends the fire. 5 
 
 Nattee smiled, and left us. I observed she went to where 
 forty or fifty of the tribe were assembled, in earnest discourse. 
 She took her seat with them, and marked deference was paid 
 to her. In the meantime Jumbo had blown up a brisk fire ; 
 we were employed by Fleta in shredding vegetables, which she 
 threw into the boiling kettle. Num appeared with more fuel, 
 and at last there was nothing more to do. Fleta sat down by 
 us, and parting her long hair, which had fallen over her eyes, 
 looked us both in the face. 
 
 53 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'Who gave you that name, Fleta ? ' inquired I. 
 
 ' They gave it me,' replied she. 
 
 ' And who are they ? ' 
 
 * Nattee, and Melchior, her husband.' 
 
 ' But you are not their daughter ? ' 
 
 ' No, I am not that is, I believe not.' 
 
 The little girl stopped short, as if assured that she had 
 said too much, cast her eyes down on the ground, and folded 
 her arms, so that her hands rested on each opposite shoulder. 
 
 Timothy whispered to me, ' She must have been stolen, 
 depend upon it.' 
 
 ' Silence,' said I. 
 
 The little girl overheard him, and looking at him, put her 
 finger across her mouth, looking to where Num and Jumbo 
 were sitting. I felt an interest for this child before I had 
 been an hour in her company ; she was so graceful, so 
 feminine, so mournful in the expression of her countenance. 
 That she was under restraint was evident ; but still she did 
 not appear to be actuated by fear. Nattee was very kind to 
 her, and the child did not seem to be more reserved towards 
 her than to others ; her mournful, pensive look was perhaps 
 inherent to her nature. It was not until long after our first 
 acquaintance that I ever saw a smile upon her features. 
 Shortly after this little conversation, Nattee returned, walking 
 with all the grace and dignity of a queen. Her husband, or 
 Melchior, as I shall in future call him, soon joined us, and we 
 sat down to our repast, which was excellent. It was composed 
 of almost everything ; sometimes I found myself busy with the 
 wing of a fowl, at another, the leg of a rabbit then a piece of 
 mutton, or other flesh and fowl, which I could hardly dis- 
 tinguish. To these were added every sort of vegetable, 
 among which potatoes predominated, forming a sort of stew, 
 which an epicure might have praised. I had a long con- 
 versation with Melchior in the evening ; and, not to weary the 
 reader, I shall now proceed to state all that I then and 
 subsequently gathered from him and others, relative to the 
 parties with whom we were associating. 
 
 Melchior would not state who and what he was previous to 
 his having joined the fraternity of gipsies ; that he was not of 
 humble birth, and that he had, when young, quitted his friends 
 out of love for Nattee, or from some other causes not to be 
 
 54 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 revealed, he led me to surmise. He had been many years in 
 company with the tribe, and although, as one received into it, 
 he did not stand so high in rank and estimation as his wife, 
 still, from his marriage with Nattee, and his own peculiar 
 qualifications and dexterity, he was almost as absolute as she 
 was. 
 
 Melchior and Natte*e were supposed to be the most wealthy 
 of all the gipsies, and, at the same time, they were the most 
 liberal of their wealth. Melchior, it appeared, gained money 
 in three different characters ; as a quack doctor, the character 
 in which we first saw him ; secondly, as a juggler, in which 
 art he was most expert ; and, thirdly, as a fortune-teller, and 
 wise man. 
 
 Nattee, as I before mentioned, was of very high rank, or 
 caste, in her tribe. At her first espousal of Melchior she lost 
 much of her influence, as it was considered a degradation ; 
 but she was then very young, and must have been most 
 beautiful. The talents of Melchior, and her own spirit, 
 however, soon enabled her to regain, and even add still more 
 to, her power and consideration among the tribe ; and it was 
 incredible to what extent, with the means which she possessed, 
 this power was augmented. 
 
 Melchior had no children by his marriage, and, as far as 
 I could judge from the few words which would escape from 
 the lips of Nattee, she did not wish for any, as the race would 
 not be considered pure. The subdivision of the tribe which 
 followed Nattee consisted of about forty men, women, and 
 children. These were ruled by her during the absence of her 
 husband, who alternately assumed different characters, as 
 suited his purpose ; but in whatever town Melchior might 
 happen to be, Nattee and her tribe were never far off, and 
 always encamped within communication. 
 
 I ventured to question Melchior about the little Fleta ; and 
 he stated that she was the child of a soldier's wife, who had 
 been brought to bed, and died a few hours afterwards ; that, 
 at the time, she was on her way to join her husband, and had 
 been taken ill on the road had been assisted by Nattee and 
 her companions, as far as they were able had been buried 
 by them, and that the child had been reared in the camp. 
 
 In time, the little girl became very intimate, and very 
 partial to me. I questioned her as to her birth, telling her 
 
 55 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 what Melchior had stated: for a long while she would not 
 answer ; the poor child had learned caution even at that early 
 age ; but after we were more intimate, she said, that which 
 Melchior had stated was not true. She could recollect very 
 well living in a great house, with everything very fine about 
 her ; but still it appeared as if it were a dream. She 
 recollected two white ponies and a lady who was her mamma 
 and a mulberry-tree, where she stained her frock ; some- 
 times other things came to her memory, and then she forgot 
 them again. From this it was evident that she had been 
 stolen, and was probably of good parentage ; certainly, if 
 elegance and symmetry of person and form could prove blood, 
 it never was more marked than in this interesting child. Her 
 abode with the gipsies, and their peculiar mode of life and 
 manners, had rendered her astonishingly precocious in intellect j 
 but of education she had none, except what was instilled into 
 her by Melchior, whom she always accompanied when he 
 assumed his character as a juggler. She then danced on the 
 slack wire, at the same time performing several feats in 
 balancing, throwing of oranges, etc. When Melchior was 
 under other disguises, she remained in the camp with Nattee. 
 Of Num, or Philotas, as Melchior thought proper to call 
 him, I have already spoken. He was a half-witted idiot, 
 picked up in one of Melchior's excursions ; and as he stated 
 to me, so did it prove to be the fact, that when on the stage, 
 and questioned as a fool, his natural folly, and idiotical 
 vacancy of countenance, were applauded by the spectators as 
 admirably assumed. Even at the alehouses and taverns where 
 we stopped, every one imagined that all his folly was pretence, 
 and looked upon him as a very clever fellow. There never 
 was, perhaps, such a lachrymose countenance as this poor 
 lad's ; and this added still more to the mirth of others, being 
 also considered as put on for the occasion. Stephen Kemble 
 played Falstaff without stuffing Num played the fool without 
 any effort or preparation. Jumbo was also ' picked up ' ; 
 this was not done by Melchior, who stated, that anybody 
 might have him who claimed him ; he tumbled with the fool 
 upon the stage, and he also ate pudding to amuse the 
 spectators the only part of the performance which was suited 
 to Jumbo's taste, for he was a terrible little glutton, and never 
 lost any opportunity of eating, as well as of sleeping. 
 
 56 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 And now, having described all our new companions, I 
 must narrate what passed between Melchior and me, the day 
 after our joining the camp. He first ran through his various 
 professions, pointing out to me that as juggler he required a 
 confederate, in which capacity I might be very useful, as he 
 would soon instruct me in all his tricks. As a quack doctor 
 he wanted the services of both Tim and myself in mixing up, 
 making pills, etc., and also in assisting him in persuading the 
 public of his great skill. As a fortune-teller, I should also be 
 of great service, as he would explain to me hereafter. In 
 short, he wanted a person of good personal appearance and 
 education, in whom he might confide in every way. As to 
 Tim, he might be made useful, if he chose, in various ways ; 
 amongst others, he wished him to learn tumbling and playing 
 the fool, when, at times, the fool was required to give a 
 shrewd answer on any point on which he would wish the 
 public to be made acquainted. I agreed to my own part of 
 the performance, and then had some conversation with 
 Timothy, who immediately consented to do his best in what 
 was allotted as his share. Thus was the matter quickly 
 arranged, Melchior observing, that he had said nothing about 
 remuneration, as I should find that trusting to him was far 
 preferable to stipulated wages. 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 Whatever may be the opinion of the reader, he cannot assert that we 
 are no conjurers We suit our wares to our customers, and our profits 
 are considerable. 
 
 WE had been three days in the camp when the gathering was 
 broken up, each gang taking their own way. What the 
 meeting was about I could not exactly discover : one occasion 
 of it was to make arrangements relative to the different 
 counties in which the subdivisions were to sojourn during the 
 next year, so that they might know where to communicate 
 with each other, and, at the same time, not interfere by being 
 too near; but there were many other points discussed, of 
 which, as a stranger, I was kept in ignorance. Melchior 
 answered all my questions with apparent candour, but his 
 
 57 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 habitual deceit was such, that whether he told the truth or not 
 was impossible to be ascertained by his countenance. 
 
 When the gathering dispersed we packed up, and located 
 ourselves about two miles from the common, on the borders of 
 a forest of oak and ash. Our food was chiefly game, for we 
 had some excellent poachers among us ; and as for fish, it 
 appeared to be at their command ; there was not a pond or a 
 pit but they could tell in a moment if it were tenanted, and if 
 tenanted, in half an hour every fish would be floating on the 
 top of the water, by the throwing in of some intoxicating sort 
 of berry ; other articles of food occasionally were found in the 
 caldron ; indeed, it was impossible to fare better than we did, 
 or at less expense. 
 
 Our tents were generally pitched not far from a pool of 
 water, and to avoid any unpleasant search, which sometimes 
 would take place, everything liable to detection was sunk 
 under the water until it was required for cooking ; once in the 
 pot, it was considered as safe. But with the foraging, 
 Timothy and I had nothing to do ; we participated in the 
 eating, without asking any questions as to how it was pro- 
 cured. 
 
 My time was chiefly spent in company with Melchior, who 
 initiated me into all the mysteries of cups and balls juggling 
 of every description feats with cards, and made me acquainted 
 with all his apparatus for prepared tricks. For hours and 
 hours was I employed by his directions in what is called 
 * making the pass ' with a pack of cards, as almost all tricks 
 on cards depend upon your dexterity in this manoeuvre. In 
 about a month I was considered as a very fair adept ; in the 
 meantime, Timothy had to undergo his career of gymnastics, 
 and was to be seen all day tumbling and re-tumbling, until he 
 could tumble on his feet again. Light and active, he soon 
 became a very dexterous performer, and could throw a 
 somerset either backwards or forwards, walk on his hands, 
 eat fire, pull out ribands, and do fifty other tricks to amuse a 
 gaping audience. Jumbo also was worked hard, to bring 
 down his fat, and never was allowed his dinner until he had 
 given satisfaction to Melchior. Even little Fleta had to 
 practise occasionally, as we were preparing for an expedition. 
 Melchior, who appeared determined to create an effect, left 
 us for three days, and returned with not only dresses for 
 
 58 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Timothy and me, but also new dresses for the rest of the 
 company ; and shortly afterwards, bidding farewell to Natte'e 
 and the rest of the gipsies, we all set out that is, Melchior, 
 I, Timothy, Fleta, Num, and Jumbo. Late in the evening we 
 
 arrived at the little town of , and took up our quarters at 
 
 a public-house, with the landlord of which Melchior had 
 already made arrangements. 
 
 'Well, Timothy,' said I, as soon as we were in bed, 'how 
 do you like our new life and prospects ? ' 
 
 ' I like it better than Mr. Cophagus's rudimans, and 
 carrying out physic, at all events. But how does your dignity 
 like turning Merry Andrew, Japhet ? ' 
 
 'To tell you the truth, I do not dislike it. There is a 
 wildness and a devil-may-care feeling connected with it which 
 is grateful to me at present. How long it may last I cannot 
 tell ; but for a year or two it appears to me that we may be 
 very happy. At all events, we shall see the world, and have 
 more than one profession to fall back upon.' 
 
 ' That is true ; but there is one thing that annoys me, 
 Japhet, which is, we may have difficulty in leaving these 
 people when we wish. Besides, you forget that you are losing 
 sight of the principal object you had in view, that is, of 
 " finding out your father." ' 
 
 ' I certainly never expect to find him among the gipsies,' 
 replied I, 'for children are at a premium with them. They 
 steal from others, and are not very likely therefore to leave 
 them at the Foundling. But I do not know whether I have 
 not as good a chance in our present employment as in any 
 other. I have often been thinking that as fortune-tellers we 
 may get hold of many strange secrets ; however, we shall see. 
 Melchior says, that he intends to appear m that character as 
 soon as he has made a harvest in his present one.' 
 
 ' What do you think of Melchior, now that you have been 
 so much with him ? ' 
 
 ' I think him an unprincipled man, but still with many 
 good qualities. He appears to have a pleasure in deceit, and 
 to have waged war with the world in general. Still he is 
 generous, and, to a certain degree, confiding ; kind in his dis- 
 position, and apparently a very good husband. There is 
 something on his mind which weighs him down occasionally, 
 and checks him in the height of his mirth. It comes over 
 
 59 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 him like a dark cloud over a bright summer sun ; and he is 
 all gloom for a few minutes. I do not think that he would 
 now commit any great crime ; but I have a suspicion that he 
 has done something which is a constant cause of remorse.' 
 
 ' You are a very good judge of character, Japhet. But 
 what a dear little child is that Fleta ! She may exclaim with 
 you Who is my father ? ' 
 
 * Yes, we are both in much the same predicament, and that 
 it is which I believe has so much increased my attachment to 
 her. We are brother and sister in misfortune, and a sister 
 she ever shall be to me, if such is the will of Heaven. But 
 we must rise early to-morrow, Tim ; so good-night.' 
 
 'Yes, to-morrow it will be juggle and tumble eat fire 
 um and so on, as Mr. Cophagus would have said ; so good- 
 night, Japhet.' 
 
 The next morning we arrayed ourselves in our new habili- 
 ments ; mine were silk stockings, shoes, and white kerseymere 
 knee'd breeches, a blue silk waistcoat loaded with tinsel, and 
 a short jacket to correspond of blue velvet, a sash round my 
 waist, a hat and a plume of feathers. Timothy declared I 
 looked very handsome, and as the glass said the same as 
 plain as it could speak, I believed him. Timothy's dress was 
 a pair of wide Turkish trowsers and red jacket, with spangles. 
 The others were much the same. Fleta was attired in small, 
 white satin, Turkish trowsers, blue muslin and silver -em- 
 broidered frock, worked sandals, and her hair braided and 
 plaited in long tails behind, and she looked like a little sylph. 
 Melchior's dress was precisely the same as mine, and a more 
 respectable company was seldom seen. Some musicians had 
 been hired, and hand-bills were now circulated all over the 
 town, stating that Signer Eugenio Velotti, with his company, 
 would have the honour of performing before the nobility and 
 gentry. The bill contained the fare which was to be provided, 
 and intimated the hour of the performance, and the prices to 
 be paid for the seats. The performance was to take place in 
 a very large room attached to the inn, which, previous to the 
 decadence of the town, had been used as an assembly-room. 
 A platform was erected on the outside, on which were placed 
 the musicians, and where we all occasionally made our 
 appearance in our splendid dresses to attract the wonder of 
 the people. There we strutted up and down, all but poor 
 
 60 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 little Fleta, who appeared to shrink at the display from 
 intuitive modesty. When the music ceased, a smart parley 
 between Melchior and me, and Philotas and Timothy, as the 
 two fools, would take place ; and Melchior declared, after the 
 perfonnance was over, that we conducted ourselves to admira- 
 tion. 
 
 ' Pray, Mr. Philotas, do me the favour to tell me how 
 many people you think are now present ? ' said Melchior to 
 Num, in an imperative voice. 
 
 ' I don't know,' said Num, looking up with his idiotical, 
 melancholy face. 
 
 ' Ha ! ha ! ha ! ' roared the crowd at Num's stupid answer. 
 
 ' The fellow's a fool ! ' said Melchior, to the gaping audience. 
 
 'Well, then, if he can't tell, perhaps you may, Mr. 
 Dionysius,' said I, addressing Tim. 
 
 ' How many, sir ? Do you want to know exactly and 
 directly ? ' 
 
 'Yes, sir, immediately.' 
 
 ' Without counting, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, sir, without counting.' 
 
 * Well then, sir, I will tell, and make no mistake ; there's 
 exactly as many again as half? 
 
 ' Ha ! ha ! ha ! ' from the crowd. 
 
 ' That won't do, sir. How many may be the half ? ' 
 
 'How many may be the half? Do you know yourself, 
 sir?' 
 
 ' Yes, sir, to be sure I do.' 
 
 ' Then there's no occasion for me to tell you.' 
 
 ' Ha ! ha ! ha ! ' 
 
 ' Well then, sir,' continued Melchior to Philotas, ' perhaps 
 you'll tell how many ladies and gentlemen we may expect to 
 honour us with their company to-night.' 
 
 ' How many, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, sir, how many.' 
 
 ' I'm sure I don't know,' said Num, after a pause. 
 
 ' Positively you are the greatest fool I ever met with,' said 
 Melchior. 
 
 ' Well, he does act the fool as natural as life,' observed the 
 crowd. ' What a stupid face he does put on ! ' 
 
 'Perhaps you will be able to answer that question, Mr. 
 Dionysius,' said I to Tim. 
 
 61 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Yes, sir, I know exactly.' 
 < Well, sir, let's hear.' 
 
 ' In the first place, all the pretty women will come, and all 
 the ugly ones stay away ; and as for the men, all those who 
 have got any money will be certain to come ; those who 
 hav'n't, poor devils, must stay outside.' 
 
 * Suppose, sir, you make a bow to the ladies. 
 
 * A very low one, sir ? ' 
 'Yes, very low indeed.' 
 
 Tim bent his body to the ground, and threw a somerset 
 forward. * There, sir ; I bowed so low, that I came up on 
 the other side.' 
 
 ' Ha ! ha ! capital ! ' from the crowd. 
 
 ' I've got a round turn in my back, sir,' continued Tim, 
 rubbing himself. ' Hadn't I better take it out again ? ' 
 
 ' By all means.' 
 
 Tim threw a somerset backwards. ' There, sir, all's right 
 now. One good turn deserves another. Now I'll be off.' 
 
 * Where are you going to, sir ? ' 
 
 'Going, sir! Why, I left my lollipop in the tinder-box, 
 and I'm going to fetch it.' 
 
 4 Ha ! ha ! ha ! ' 
 
 ' Strike up, music ! ' and Master Jumbo commenced 
 tumbling. 
 
 Such was the elegant wit with which we amused and at- 
 tracted the audience. Perhaps, had we been more refined, 
 we should not have been so successful. 
 
 That evening we had the room as full as it could hold. 
 Signor Velotti alias Melchior astonished them. The cards 
 appeared to obey his commands rings were discovered in 
 lady's shoes watches were beat to a powder and made whole 
 canary birds flew out of eggs. The audience were delighted. 
 The entertainment closed with Fleta's performance on the 
 slack wire ; and certainly never was there anything more 
 beautiful and graceful. Balanced on the wire in a continual, 
 waving motion, her eyes fixed upon a point to enable her to 
 maintain her position, she performed several feats, such as the 
 playing with five oranges, balancing swords, etc. Her extreme 
 beauty her very picturesque and becoming dress her 
 mournful expression and downcast eyes her gentle manner, 
 appeared to win the hearts of the audience ; and when she 
 
 62 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was assisted off from her perilous situation by Melchior and 
 me, and made her graceful courtesy, the plaudits were 
 unanimous. 
 
 When the company dispersed I went to her, intending to 
 praise her, but I found her in tears. 'What is the matter, 
 my dear Fleta ? ' 
 
 ' Oh, nothing ! don't say I have been crying but I cannot 
 bear it so many people looking at me. Don't say a word to 
 Melchior I won't cry any more.' 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 It is very easy to humbug those who are so eager to be humbugged as 
 people are in this world of humbug We show ourselves excessively 
 disinterested, which astonishes everybody. 
 
 I KISSED and consoled her ; she threw her arm round my 
 neck, and remained there with her face hid for some time. 
 We then joined the others at supper. Melchior was much 
 pleased with our success, and highly praised the conduct of 
 Timothy and myself, which he pronounced was; for the first 
 attempt, far beyond his expectations. 
 
 We continued to astonish all the good people of for 
 
 five days, when we discovered the indubitable fact, that there 
 was no more money to be extracted from their pockets, upon 
 which we resumed our usual clothes and smock frocks, and 
 with our bundles in our hands, set off for another market town, 
 about fifteen miles distant. There we were equally successful, 
 and Melchior was delighted with our having proved such a 
 powerful acquisition to his troop ; but not to dwell too long 
 upon one subject, I shall inform the reader that, after a trip 
 of six weeks, during which we were very well received, we once 
 more returned to the camp, which had located within five miles 
 of our last scene of action. Every one was content we were 
 all glad to get back and rest from our labours. Melchior was 
 pleased with his profits, poor little Fleta overjoyed to be once 
 more in the seclusion of her tent, and Nattee very glad to hear 
 of our good fortune, and to see her husband. Timothy and I 
 had already proved ourselves so useful, that Melchior treated 
 
 64 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 us with the greatest friendship and confidence and he made 
 us a present out of the gains, for our exertions ; to me he gave 
 ten, and to Timothy five, pounds. 
 
 ' There, Japhet, had you hired yourself I should not have 
 paid you more than seven shillings per week, finding you in 
 food ; but you must acknowledge that for six weeks that is not 
 bad pay. However, your earnings will depend upon our 
 success, and I rather think that we shall make a much better 
 thing of it when next we start, which will be in about a fort- 
 night ; but we have some arrangements to make. Has Timothy 
 a good memory ? ' 
 
 ' I think he has.' 
 
 ' That is well. I told you before that we are to try the 
 " Wise Man," but first we must have Nattee in play. To- 
 morrow we will start for ,' mentioning a small quiet town 
 
 about four miles off. 
 
 We did so, early the next morning, and arrived about noon, 
 pitching our tents on the common, not far from the town ; but 
 in this instance we left all the rest of our gang behind. 
 Melchior's own party and his two tents were all that were 
 brought by the donkeys. 
 
 Melchior and I, dressed as countrymen, went into the town 
 at dusk, and entered a respectable sort of inn, taking our seats at 
 one of the tables in the tap-room, and, as we had already planned, 
 after we had called for beer, commenced a conversation in the 
 hearing of the others who were sitting drinking and smoking. 
 
 'Well, I never will believe it it's all cheat and trickery,' 
 said Melchior, ' and they only do it to pick your pocket. Tell 
 your fortune, indeed ! I suppose she promised you a rich wife 
 and half-a-dozen children.' 
 
 ' No, she did not,' replied I, ' for I am too young to marry; 
 but she told me what I know has happened.' 
 
 < Well, what was that ? ' 
 
 * Why, she told me that my mother had married again, and 
 turned me out of doors to work for my bread.' 
 
 1 But she might have heard that.' 
 
 ' How could she ? No, that's not possible ; but she told 
 me I had a mole on my knee, which was a sign of luck. Now 
 how could she know that ? ' 
 
 ' Well, I grant that was odd and pray what else did she 
 promise you ? ' 
 
 F 65 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Why, she said that I should meet with my dearest friend 
 to-night. Now that does puzzle me, for I have but one in the 
 world, and he is a long way off.' 
 
 ' Well, if you do meet your friend, then I'll believe her ; 
 but if not, it has been all guess work ; and pray what did you 
 pay for all this was it a shilling, or did she pick your 
 pocket?' 
 
 'That's what puzzles me, she refused to take anything. 
 I offered it again and again, and she said, " No ; that she 
 would have no money that her gift was not to be sold." ' 
 
 ' Well, that is odd. Do you hear what this young man 
 says?' said Melchior, addressing the others, who had swallowed 
 every word. 
 
 ' Yes,' replied one ; ' but who is this person ? ' 
 
 'The queen of the gipsies, I am told. I never saw such 
 a wonderful woman in my life her eye goes right through 
 you. I met her on the common, and, as she passed, she 
 dropped a handkerchief. I ran back to give it her, and then 
 she thanked me and said, " Open your hand and let me see 
 the palm. Here are great lines, and you will be fortunate " ; 
 and then she told me a great deal more, and bid God bless me.' 
 
 ' Then if she said that, she cannot have dealings with the 
 devil) observed Melchior. 
 
 ' Very odd very strange take no money queen of the 
 gipsies,' was echoed from all sides. 
 
 The landlady and the barmaid listened with wonder, when 
 who should come in, as previously agreed, but Timothy. I 
 pretended not to see him ; but he came up to me, seizing me 
 by the hand, and shaking it with apparent delight, and crying, 
 ' Wilson, have you forgot Smith ? ' 
 
 ' Smith ! ' cried I, looking earnestly in his face. ' Why, so 
 it is. How came you here ? ' 
 
 ' I left Dublin three days ago,' replied he ; 'but how I came 
 here into this house, is one of the strangest things that ever 
 occurred. I was walking over the common, when a tall 
 handsome woman looked at me, and said, ' Young man, if 
 you will go into the third public-house you pass, you will meet 
 an old friend, who expects you.' I thought she was laughing 
 at me ; but as it mattered very little in which house I passed 
 the night, I thought, for the fun of the thing, I might as well 
 take her advice.' 
 
 66 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' How strange ! ' cried Melchior, * and she told him the 
 same that is, he would meet a friend. 3 
 
 'Strange very strange wonderful astonishing!' was 
 echoed from all quarters, and the fame of the gipsy was already 
 established. 
 
 Timothy and I sat down together, conversing as old friends, 
 and Melchior went about from one to the other, narrating the 
 wonderful occurrence till past midnight, when we all three 
 took beds at the inn, as if we were travellers. 
 
 The report which we had circulated that evening induced 
 many people to go out to see Nattee, who appeared to take no 
 notice of them ; and when asked to tell fortunes, waved them 
 away with her hand. But, although this plan of Melchior's 
 was, for the first two or three days, very expedient, yet, as it 
 was not intended to last, Timothy, who remained with me at 
 the inn, became very intimate with the barmaid, and obtained 
 from her most of the particulars of her life. I, also, from 
 repeated conversations with the landlady, received information 
 very important, relative to herself and many of the families in 
 the town ; but as the employment of Natte'e was for an ulterior 
 object, we contented ourselves with gaining all the information 
 we could before we proceeded further. After we had been 
 there a week, and the fame of the gipsy woman had been 
 marvellously increased many things having been asserted of 
 her which were indeed truly improbable Melchior agreed 
 that Timothy should persuade the barmaid to try if the gipsy 
 woman would tell her fortune : the girl with some trepidation 
 agreed, but at the same time, expecting to be refused, con- 
 sented to walk with him over the common. Timothy advised 
 her to pretend to pick up a sixpence when near to Nattee, and 
 ask her if it did not belong to her ; and the barmaid acted 
 upon his suggestions, having just before that quitted the arm 
 of Timothy, who had conducted her. 
 
 ' Did you drop a sixpence ? I have picked up one,' said 
 the girl, trembling with fear as she addressed Nattee. 
 
 ' Child,' replied Natte'e, who was prepared, ' I have neither 
 dropped a sixpence nor have you found one but never mind 
 that, I know that which you wish, and I know who you are. 
 Now what would you with me ? Is it to inquire whether the 
 landlord and landlady of the Golden Lion intend to keep you 
 in their service ? ' 
 
 67 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * No,' replied the girl, frightened at what she heard ; ' not 
 to inquire that, but to ask what my fortune will be ? ' 
 
 ' Open your palm, pretty maid, and I will tell you. Hah ! 
 I see that you were born in the West your father is dead 
 your mother is in service and let me see, you have a 
 brother at sea now in the West Indies.' 
 
 At this intelligence, all of which, as may be supposed, had 
 been gathered by us, the poor girl was so frightened that she 
 fell down in a swoon, and Timothy carried her off. When 
 she was taken home to the inn, she was so ill that she was 
 put into bed, and what she did say was so incoherent, that, 
 added to Timothy's narrative, the astonishment of the land- 
 lady and others was beyond all bounds. I tried very hard to 
 bring the landlady, but she would not consent ; and now 
 Nattee was pestered by people of higher condition, who 
 wished to hear what she would say. Here Nattee's powers 
 were brought into play. She would not refuse to see them, 
 but would not give answers till she had asked questions, and, 
 as from us she had gleaned much general information, so by 
 making this knowledge appear in her questions to them, she 
 made them believe she knew more. If a young person came 
 to her, she would immediately ask the name of that name 
 she had all the references acquired from us as to family and 
 connexions. Bearing upon them, she would ask a few more, 
 and then give them an abrupt dismissal. 
 
 This behaviour was put up with from one of her command- 
 ing presence, who refused money, and treated those who 
 accosted her as if she was their superior. Many came again 
 and again, telling her all they knew, and acquainting her 
 with every transaction of their life, to induce her to prophesy, 
 for such, she informed them, was the surest way to call the 
 spirit upon her. By these means we obtained the secret 
 history of the major part, that is, the wealthier part of the 
 
 town of ; and although the predictions of Nattee were 
 
 seldom given, yet when given, they were given with such 
 perfect and apparent knowledge of the parties, that when she 
 left, which she did about six weeks after her first appearance, 
 the whole town rang with accounts of her wonderful powers. 
 
 It will appear strange that Melchior would not permit 
 Natte'e to reap a harvest, which might have been great ; but 
 the fact was that he only allowed the seed to be sown that a 
 
 68 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 greater harvest might be gathered hereafter. Natte'e dis- 
 appeared, the gipsies' tent was no longer on the common, and 
 the grass, which had been beaten down into a road by the 
 feet of the frequent applicants to her, was again permitted to 
 spring up. We also took our departure, and rejoined the 
 camp with Nattee, where we remained for a fortnight, to 
 permit the remembrance of her to subside a little knowing 
 that the appetite was alive, and would not be satisfied until it 
 was appeased. 
 
 After that time Melchior, Timothy, and I again set off for 
 
 the town of , and stopping at a superior inn in another 
 
 part of the town, dressed as travellers, that is, people who go 
 about the country for orders from the manufacturers, ordered 
 our beds and supper in the coffee-room. The conversation 
 was soon turned upon the wonderful powers of Nattee, the 
 gipsy. ' Nonsense,' said Melchior, ' she knows nothing. I 
 have heard of her. But there is a man coming this way 
 (should he happen to pass through this town) who will surprise 
 and frighten you. No one knows who he is. He is named 
 the Great Aristodemus. He knows the past, the present, and 
 the future. He never looks at people's hands he only looks 
 you in the face, and woe be to them who tell him a lie. 
 Otherwise, he is good tempered and obliging, and will tell 
 what will come to pass, and his predictions never have been 
 known to fail. They say that he is hundreds of years old, 
 and his hair is white as silver.' At this information many 
 expressed their doubts, and many others vaunted the powers 
 of the gipsy. Melchior replied, 'that all he knew was, that 
 for the sum of two guineas paid down, he had told him of a 
 legacy left him of six hundred pounds, which otherwise he 
 would never have known of or received.' All the town of 
 
 being quite alive for fortune -telling, this new report 
 
 gained wind, and after a week's sojourn, Melchior thought 
 that the attempt should be made. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 The seed having been carefully sown, we now reap a golden harvest We 
 tell everybody what they knew before, and we are looked upon as 
 most marvellous by most marvellous fools. 
 
 WE accordingly packed up and departed to another market 
 town. Timothy dressed in a sombre suit of black, very much 
 like an undertaker, was provided with a horse, with the 
 following directions : to proceed leisurely until he was within 
 
 half a mile of the town of , and then to gallop in as 
 
 fast as he could, stop at the best inn in the place, and order 
 apartments for the Great Aristodemus, who might be expected 
 in half an hour. Everything in this world depends upon 
 appearances, that is, when you intend to gull it ; and as every 
 one in the town had heard of the Great Aristodemus, so every 
 one was anxious to know something about him, and Timothy 
 was pestered with all manner of questions ; but he declared 
 that he was only his courier, and could only tell what other 
 people said ; but then what other people said, by Timothy's 
 account, was very marvellous indeed. Timothy had hardly 
 time to secure the best rooms in the hotel, when Melchior, 
 dressed in a long flowing silk gown, with a wig of long white 
 hair, a square cap, and two or three gold chains hanging from 
 his neck, certainly most admirably disguised, and attended by 
 me in the dress of a German student, a wig of long brown 
 locks hanging down my shoulders, made our appearance in a 
 post-chaise and four, and drove up to the door of the inn, at a 
 pace which shook every house in the street, and occasioned 
 every window to be tenanted with one or more heads to 
 ascertain the cause of this unusual occurrence, for it was not 
 a very great town, although once of importance ; but the 
 manufactures had been removed, and it was occupied by those 
 who had become independent by their own exertions, or by 
 those of their forefathers. 
 
 The door of the chaise was opened by the obsequious 
 Timothy, who pushed away the ostlers and waiters, as if 
 unworthy to approach his master, and the Great Aristodemus 
 made his appearance. As he ascended the steps of the door, 
 
 70 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 his passage was for a moment barred by one whose profession 
 Melchior well knew. * Stand aside, exciseman ! ' said he, in a 
 commanding voice. ' No one crosses my path with impunity.' 
 Astonished at hearing his profession thus mentioned, the 
 exciseman, who was the greatest bully in the town, slipped on 
 one side with consternation, and all those present lifted up 
 their eyes and hands with astonishment. The Great Aristo- 
 demus gained his room, and shut his door ; and I went out to 
 
 ' Tlic Great Aristodemus made his appearance. 1 
 
 pay for the chaise and order supper, while Timothy and 
 the porters were busy with our luggage, which was very 
 considerable. 
 
 * My master will not see any one,' said I to the landlord : 
 'he quits this town to-morrow, if the letters arrive which he 
 expects by the post ; therefore, pray get rid of this crowd, and 
 let him be quiet, for he is very tired, having travelled one 
 hundred and fifty miles since the dawn of day.' 
 
 When Tim and I had performed this duty, we joined 
 Melchior in his room, leaving the news to be circulated. 
 
 71 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' This promises well,' observed Melchior ; ' up to the present 
 we have expended much time and money ; now we must see 
 if we cannot recover it tenfold. Japhet, you must take an 
 opportunity of going out again after supper, and make 
 inquiries of the landlord what poor people they have in the 
 town, as I am very generous, and like to relieve them ; you 
 may observe, that all the money offered to me for practising 
 my art, I give away to the poor, having no occasion for it.' 
 This I did, and we then sat down to supper, and having 
 unpacked our baggage, went to bed, after locking the door of 
 the room, and taking out the key. 
 
 The next morning we had everything in readiness, and as 
 the letters, as the reader may suppose, did not arrive by the 
 post, we were obliged to remain, and the landlord ventured to 
 hint to me, that several people were anxious to consult my 
 master. I replied, that I would speak to him, but it was 
 necessary to caution those who came, that they must either 
 offer gold or nothing at all. I brought his consent to see 
 one or two, but no more. Now, although we had various 
 apparatus to use, when required, it was thought that the effect 
 would be greater, if, in the first instance, everything was 
 simple. Melchior, therefore, remained sitting at the table, 
 which was covered with a black cloth, worked with curious 
 devices, and a book of hieroglyphics before him, and an ivory 
 wand, tipped with gold, lying by the book. Timothy standing 
 at the door, with a short Roman sword buckled round his belt, 
 and I, in a respectful attitude, behind the Great Aristodemus. 
 
 The first person who was admitted was the lady of the 
 mayor of the town ; nothing could be more fortunate, as we 
 had every information relative to her and her spouse, for 
 people in high places are always talked of. Aristodemus 
 waved his hand, and I brought forward a chair in silence, and 
 motioned that she should be seated. Aristodemus looked her 
 in her face, and then turned over several leaves, until he fixed 
 upon a page, which he considered attentively. * Mayoress of 
 , what wouldst thou with me ? ' 
 
 She started, and turned pale. * I would ask- 
 
 ' I know ; thou wouldst ask many things, perhaps, had I 
 time to listen. Amongst others thou wouldst ask if there is 
 any chance of thy giving an heir to thy husband. Is it 
 not so ? ' 
 
 72 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Yes, it is,' replied the lady, fetching her breath. 
 
 'So do I perceive by this book ; but let me' put one 
 question to thee. Wouldst thou have blessings showered on 
 thee, yet do no good ? Thou art wealthy yet what dost 
 thou and thy husband do with these riches ? Are ye liberal ? 
 No. Give, and it shall be given. I have said.' 
 
 Aristodemus waved his hand, and the lady rose to with- 
 draw. A guinea was in her fingers, and her purse in her 
 hand ; she took out four more, and added them to the other, 
 and laid them on the table. 
 
 1 'Tis well, lady ; charity shall plead for thee. Artolphe, 
 let that money be distributed among the poor.' 
 
 I bowed in silence, and the lady retired. 
 
 * Who will say that I do no good ? ' observed Melchior, 
 smiling, as soon as she was gone. l Her avarice and that of 
 her husband are as notorious as their anxiety for children. 
 Now, if I persuade them to be liberal, I do service.' 
 
 ' But you have given her hopes.' 
 
 4 1 have, and the very hope will do more to further their 
 wishes than anything else. It is despair which too often 
 prevents those who have no children from having any. How 
 often do you see a couple, who, after years waiting for children, 
 have at last given up their hope, and resigned themselves to 
 the dispensations of Providence, and then, when their anxiety 
 has subsided, have obtained a family ? Japhet, I am a shrewd 
 observer of human nature.' 
 
 * That I believe,' replied I ; * but I do not believe your last 
 remark to be correct but Timothy raps at the door.' 
 
 Another lady entered the room, and then started back, as 
 if she would retreat, so surprised was she at the appearance of 
 the Great Aristodemus ; but as Timothy had turned the key, 
 her escape was impossible. She was unknown to us, which 
 was rather awkward ; but Melchior raised his eyes from his 
 book, and waved his hand as before, that she should be 
 seated. With some trepidation she stated that she was a 
 widow, whose dependence was upon an only son now at sea ; 
 that she had not heard of him for a long while, and was afraid 
 that some accident had happened ; that she was in the 
 greatest distress * and,' continued she, ' I have nothing to 
 offer but this ring. Can you tell me if he is yet alive ? ' cried 
 she, bursting into tears ; ' but if you have not the art you 
 
 73 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 pretend to, oh do not rob a poor, friendless creature, but let 
 me depart ! ' 
 
 1 When did you receive your last letter from him ? ' said 
 Melchior. 
 
 ' It is now seven months dated from Bahia,' replied she, 
 pulling it out of her reticule, and covering her face with her 
 handkerchief. 
 
 Melchior caught the address, and then turned the letter 
 over on the other side, as it lay on the table. ' Mrs. Watson,' 
 said he. 
 
 * Heavens ! do you know my name ? ' cried the woman. 
 
 ' Mrs. Watson, I do not require to read your son's letter 
 I know its contents.' He then turned over his book, and 
 studied for a few seconds. * Your son is alive.' 
 
 * Thank God ! ' cried she, clasping her hands, and dropping 
 her reticule. 
 
 ' But you must not expect his return too soon he is well 
 employed.' 
 
 Oh ! I care not he is alive he is alive ! God bless you 
 God bless you ! ' 
 
 Melchior made a sign to me, pointing to the five guineas 
 and the reticule ; and I contrived to slip them into her 
 reticule, while she sobbed in her handkerchief. 
 
 1 Enough, madam ; you must go, for others require my aid.' 
 
 The poor woman rose, and offered the ring. 
 
 ' Nay, nay, I want not thy money ; I take from the rich, 
 that I may distribute to the poor but not from the widow in 
 affliction. Open thy bag.' The widow took up her bag, and 
 opened it. Melchior dropped in the ring, taking his wand 
 from the table, waved it, and touched the bag. ' As thou art 
 honest, so may thy present wants be relieved. Seek, and 
 thou shalt find.' 
 
 The widow left the room with tears of gratitude ; and I 
 must say, that I was affected with the same. When she had 
 gone, I observed to Melchior, that up to the present he had 
 toiled for nothing. 
 
 'Very true, Japhet; but depend upon it, if I assisted that 
 poor woman from no other feelings than interested motives, I 
 did well ; but I tell thee candidly, I did it from compassion. 
 We are odd mixtures of good and evil. I wage war with 
 fools and knaves, but not with all the world. I gave that 
 
 74 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 money freely she required it ; and it may be put as a set-off 
 against my usual system of fraud, or it may not at all events, 
 I pleased myself.' 
 
 1 But you told her that her son was alive.' 
 
 * Very true, and he may be dead ; but is it not well to 
 comfort her even for a short time, to relieve that suspense 
 which is worse than the actual knowledge of his death ? 
 Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.' 
 
 It would almost have appeared that this good action of 
 Melchior met with its reward, for the astonishment of the 
 widow at finding the gold in her reticule her narrative of 
 what passed, and her assertion (which she firmly believed to 
 be true), that she had never left her reticule out of her hand, 
 and that Melchior had only touched it with his wand, raised 
 his reputation to that degree, that nothing else was talked 
 about throughout the town, and, to crown all, the next day's 
 post brought her a letter and remittances from her son ; and 
 the grateful woman returned, and laid ten guineas on the 
 black cloth, showering a thousand blessings upon Melchior, 
 and almost worshipped him as a supernatural being. This 
 was a most fortunate occurrence, and, as Melchior prophesied, 
 the harvest did now commence. In four days we had received 
 upwards of ^200, and we then thought it time that we should 
 depart. The letters arrived, which were expected ; and when 
 we set on in a chaise and four, the crowd to see us was so 
 great, that it was with difficulty we could pass through it. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 In which Melchior talks very much like an astrologer, and Tim and I 
 return to our old trade of making up innocent prescriptions. 
 
 WE had taken our horses for the next town ; but as soon as 
 we were fairly on the road, I stopped the boys, and told them 
 that the Great Aristodemus intended to observe the planets 
 and stars that night, and that they were to proceed to a 
 common which I mentioned. The post-boys, who were well 
 aware of his fame, and as fully persuaded of it as everybody 
 else, drove to the common ; we descended, took off the 
 
 75 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 luggage, and received directions from Melchior in their 
 presence about the instruments, to which the boys listened 
 with open mouths and wonderment. I paid them well, and 
 told them they might return, which they appeared very glad 
 to do. They reported what had occurred, and this simple 
 method of regaining our camp added to the astonishment of 
 
 the good town of . When they were out of sight we 
 
 resumed our usual clothes, packed all up, carried away most 
 of our effects, and hid the others in the furze to be sent for 
 the next night, not being more than two miles from the camp. 
 We soon arrived, and were joyfully received by Fleta and 
 Nattee. 
 
 As we walked across the common, I observed to Melchior, 
 1 1 wonder if these stars have any influence upon mortals, as 
 it was formerly supposed ? ' 
 
 ' Most assuredly they have,' rejoined Melchior. ' I cannot 
 read them, but I firmly believe in them.' 
 
 I made the above remark, as I had often thought that such 
 was Melchior's idea. 
 
 'Yes,' continued he, 'every man has his destiny such 
 must be the case. It is known beforehand what is to happen 
 to us by an Omniscient Being, and being known, what is it 
 but destiny which cannot be changed? It \sfatej continued 
 he, surveying the stars with his hand raised up, 'and that 
 fate is as surely written there as the sun shines upon us ; but 
 the great book is sealed, because it would not add to our 
 happiness.' 
 
 ' If, then, all is destiny, or fate, what inducement is there 
 to do well or ill? 5 replied I. 'We may commit all acts of 
 evil, and say, that as it was predestined, we could not help it. 
 Besides, would it be just that the Omniscient Being should 
 punish us for those crimes which we cannot prevent, and 
 which are allotted to us by destiny ? ' 
 
 ' Japhet, you argue well ; but you are in error, because, 
 like most of those of the Christian church, you understand not 
 the sacred writings, nor did I until I knew my wife. Her 
 creed is, I believe, correct ; and what is more, adds weight to 
 the truths of the Bible.' 
 
 ' I thought that gipsies had no religion.' 
 
 'You are not the only one who supposes so. It is true 
 that the majority of the tribe are held by the higher castes as 
 
 76 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 serfs, and are not instructed ; but with if I may use the 
 expression the aristocracy of them it is very different, and 
 their creed I have adopted.' 
 
 ' I should wish to hear their creed,' replied I. 
 
 ' Hear it then. Original sin commenced in heaven when 
 the angels rebelled against their God not on earth.' 
 
 1 1 will grant that sin originated first in heaven.' 
 
 1 Do you think that a great, a good God, ever created any 
 being for its destruction and eternal misery, much less an 
 angel ? Did he not foresee their rebellion ?' 
 
 < I grant it.' 
 
 ' This world was not peopled with the image of God until 
 after the fall of the angels : it had its living beings, its 
 monsters perhaps, but not a race of men with eternal souls. 
 But it was peopled, as we see it now is, to enable the legions 
 of angels who fell to return to their former happy state as a 
 pilgrimage by which they might obtain their pardons, and 
 resume their seats in heaven. Not a child is born, but the 
 soul of some fallen cherub enters into the body to work out 
 its salvation. Many do, many do not, and then they have 
 their task to recommence anew ; for the spirit once created is 
 immortal, and cannot be destroyed ; and the Almighty is all 
 goodness, and would ever pardon.' 
 
 ' Then you suppose there is no such thing as eternal 
 punishment ? ' 
 
 'Eternal! no. Punishment there is, but not eternal. 
 When the legions of angels fell, some were not so perverse as 
 others : they soon re-obtained their seats, even when, as 
 children, having passed through the slight ordeal, they have 
 been summoned back to heaven ; but others who, from their 
 infancy, show how bad were their natures, have many pilgrim- 
 ages to perform before they can be purified. This is, in itself, 
 a punishment. What other punishment they incur between 
 their pilgrimages we know not ; but this is certain, that no 
 one was created to be punished eternally.' 
 
 * But all this is but assertion,' replied I ; ' where are your 
 proofs ? ' 
 
 ' In the Bible ; some day or other I will show them to you ; 
 but now we are at the camp, and I am anxious to embrace 
 Nattee.' 
 
 I thought for some time upon this singular creed ; one, in 
 
 77 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 itself, not militating against religion, but at the same time I 
 could not call to mind any passages by which it could be 
 supported. Still the idea was beautiful, and I dwelt upon it 
 with pleasure. I have before observed, and indeed the reader 
 must have gathered from my narrative, that Melchior was no 
 common personage. Every day did I become more partial to 
 him, and more pleased with our erratic life. What scruples I 
 had at first, gradually wore away ; the time passed quickly, 
 and although I would occasionally call to mind the original 
 object of my setting forth, I would satisfy myself by the reflec- 
 tion, that there was yet sufficient time. Little Fleta was now 
 my constant companion when in the camp, and I amused 
 myself with teaching her to write and read. 
 
 ' Japhet,' said Timothy to me one day as we were cutting 
 hazel broach wood in the forest, * I don't see that you get on 
 very fast in your search after your father.' 
 
 ' No, Tim, I do not ; but I am gaining a knowledge of the 
 world which will be very useful to me when I recommence the 
 search ; and what is more, I am saving a great deal of money 
 to enable me to prosecute it.' 
 
 ' What did Melchior give you after we left ? ' 
 
 'Twenty guineas, which, with what I had before, make 
 more than fifty.' 
 
 ' And he gave me ten, which makes twenty, with what I 
 had before. Seventy pounds is a large sum.' 
 
 * Yes, but soon spent, Tim. We must work a little longer. 
 Besides, I cannot leave that little girl she was never intended 
 for a rope-dancer.' 
 
 * I am glad to hear you say that, Japhet, for I feel as you 
 do she shall share our fortunes.' 
 
 * A glorious prospect truly,' replied I, laughing ; ' but never 
 mind, it would be better than her remaining here. But how 
 are we to manage that ? ' 
 
 ' Ay ! that's the rub ; but there is time enough to think 
 about it when we intend to quit our present occupation.' 
 
 4 Well, I understand from Melchior that we are to start in 
 a few days ? ' 
 
 1 What is it to be, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' Oh ! we shall be at home we are to cure all diseases 
 under the sun. To-morrow we commence making pills, so we 
 may think ourselves with Mr. Cophagus again.' 
 
 78 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Well, I do think we shall have some fun ; but I hope 
 Melchior won't make me take my own pills to prove their 
 good qualities that will be no joke.' 
 
 ' Oh no, Num is kept on purpose for that. What else is the 
 fool good for ? ' 
 
 The next week was employed as we anticipated. Boxes of 
 pills of every size, neatly labelled, bottles of various mixtures, 
 chiefly stimulants, were corked and packed up. Powders of 
 anything were put in papers ; but, at all events, there was 
 nothing hurtful in them. All was ready, and accompanied by 
 Num (Jumbo and Fleta being left at home) we set off, 
 Melchior assuming the dress in which we had first met him in 
 the waggon, and altering his appearance so completely, that 
 he would have been taken for at least sixty years old. We 
 now travelled on foot with our dresses in bundles, each carrying 
 his own, except Num, who was loaded like a pack-horse, and 
 made sore lamentations : * Can't you carry some of this ? ' 
 
 ' No,' replied I, ' it is your own luggage ; every one must 
 carry his own.' 
 
 'Well, I never felt my spangled dress so heavy before. 
 Where are we going ? ' 
 
 ' Only a little way,' replied Timothy, * and then you will 
 have nothing more to do.' 
 
 ' I don't know that. When master puts on that dress, I 
 have to swallow little things till I'm sick.' 
 
 ' It's all good for your health, Num.' 
 
 'I'm very well, I thank' e,' replied the poor fellow; 'but 
 I'm very hot and very tired.' 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 In which Timothy makes a grand speech, quite as true as those delivered 
 from the hustings Melchior, like the candidate, states his pre- 
 tensions for public favour, and the public, as usual, swallow the 
 bait. 
 
 FORTUNATELY for poor Num, we were not far from the 
 market town at which we intended to open our campaign, 
 which we did the next morning by Num and Timothy sallying 
 
 79 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 forth, the former with a large trumpet in his hand, and the 
 latter riding on a donkey. On their arrival at the market-place, 
 Num commenced blowing it with all his might, while Timothy, 
 in his spangled dress, as soon as they had collected a crowd, 
 stood upon his saddle, and harangued the people as follows : 
 4 Gentlemen and ladies I have the honour to announce 
 to you the arrival in this town of the celebrated Doctor 
 Appallacheosmocommetico, who has travelled farther than the 
 
 1 Stood upon his saddle and harangued the People? 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 sun and faster than a comet. He hath visited every part of 
 the globe. He has smoked the calumet with the Indians of 
 North America he has hunted with the Araucas in the South 
 galloped on wild horses over the plains of Mexico, and 
 rubbed noses with the Esquimaux. He hath used the chop- 
 sticks with the Chinese, swung the Cherok pooga with the 
 Hindoos, and put a new nose on the Great Cham of Tartary. 
 He hath visited and been received in every court of Europe : 
 danced on the ice of the Neva with the Russians led the 
 
 80 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 mazurka with the Poles waltzed with the Germans taran- 
 tulaed with the Italians fandangoed with the Spanish and 
 quadrilled with the French. He hath explored every mine in 
 the universe, walked through every town on the Continent, 
 examined every mountain in the world, ascended Mont Blanc, 
 walked down the Andes, and run up the Pyrenees. He has 
 been into every volcano in the globe, and descending by 
 Vesuvius has been thrown up by Stromboli. He has lived 
 more than a thousand years, and is still in the flower of his 
 youth. He has had one hundred and forty sets of teeth one 
 after another, and expects a new set next Christmas. His 
 whole life has been spent in the service of mankind, and in 
 doing good to his fellow-creatures ; and having the experience 
 of more than a thousand years, he cures more than a thousand 
 diseases. Gentlemen, the wonderful doctor will present him- 
 self before you this evening, and will then tell you what his 
 remedies are good for, so that you may pick and choose 
 according to your several complaints. Ladies, the wonderful 
 doctor can greatly assist you : he has secrets by which you 
 may have a family if you should so wish philters to make 
 husbands constant, and salve to make them blind cosmetics 
 to remove pimples and restore to youth and beauty, and 
 powders to keep children from squalling. Sound the trumpet, 
 Philotas ; sound, and let everybody know that the wonderful 
 Doctor Appallacheosmocommetico has vouchsafed to stop 
 here and confer his blessings upon the inhabitants of this 
 town.' Hereupon Num again blew the trumpet till he was 
 black in the face ; and Timothy, dropping on his donkey, rode 
 away to other parts of the town, where he repeated his grandi- 
 loquent announcement, followed, as may be supposed, by a 
 numerous cortege of little ragged boys. 
 
 About four o'clock in the afternoon, Melchior made his 
 appearance in the market-place, attended by me, dressed as a 
 German student, Timothy and Num in their costumes. A 
 stage had been already prepared, and the populace had 
 crowded round it more with the intention of laughing than of 
 making purchases. The various packets were opened and 
 arranged in front of the platform, I standing on one side of 
 Melchior, Timothy on the other, and Num with his trumpet, 
 holding on by one of the scaffold poles at the corner. 
 
 ' Sound the trumpet, Philotas,' said Melchior, taking off his 
 G 81 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 three-cornered hat, and making a low bow to the audience, at 
 every blast. Pray, Mr. Fool, do you know why you sound 
 the trumpet ? ' 
 
 * I am sure I don't know,' replied Num, opening his goggle 
 eyes. 
 
 1 Do you know, Mr. Dionysius ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, sir, I can guess.' 
 
 'Explain, then, to the gentlemen and ladies who have 
 honoured us with their presence.' 
 
 ' Because, sir, trumpets are always sounded before great 
 conquerors.' 
 
 * Very true, sir ; but how am I a great conqueror ? ' 
 
 * You have conquered death, sir ; and he's a very rum 
 customer to have to deal with.' 
 
 * Dionysius, you have answered well, and shall have some 
 bullock's liver for your supper don't forget to remind me, in 
 case I forget it.' 
 
 1 No, that I won't, sir,' replied Timothy, rubbing his 
 stomach, as if delighted with the idea. 
 
 c Ladies and gentlemen,' said Melchior to the audience, 
 who were on the broad grin, ' I see your mouths are all open, 
 and are waiting for the pills; but be not too impatient I 
 cannot part with my medicines unless you have diseases 
 which require their aid ; and I should, indeed, be a sorry 
 doctor, if I prescribed without knowing your complaints. " Est 
 neutrale genus signans rent non animatam? says Herodotus, 
 which in English means, what is one man's meat is another 
 man's poison ; and further, he adds, " Ut jecur, ut onus, put ut 
 occiput" which is as much as to say, that what agrees with one 
 temperament will be injurious to another. Caution, therefore, 
 becomes very necessary in the use of medicine ; and my 
 reputation depends upon my not permitting any one to take 
 what is not good for him. And now, my very dear friends, I 
 will first beg you to observe the peculiar qualities of the 
 contents of this little phial. You observe, that there is not 
 more than sixty drops in it, yet will these sixty drops add ten 
 years to a man's life for it will cure him of almost as many 
 diseases. In the first place, are any of you troubled with the 
 astites, or dropsy, which, as the celebrated Galen hath declared, 
 may be divided into three parts, the ascites^ the anasarca, and 
 the tympanites. The diagnostics of this disease are, swelling 
 
 82 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 of the abdomen or stomach, difficulty of breathing, want of 
 appetite, and a teazing cough. I say, have any of you this 
 disease ? None. Then I thank Heaven that you are not so 
 afflicted. 
 
 ' The next disease it is good for, is the peripneumonia, or 
 inflammation on the lungs the diagnostics or symptoms of 
 which are, a small pulse, swelling of the eyes, and redness of 
 the face. Say, have any of you these symptoms if so, you 
 have the disease. No one. I thank Heaven that you are 
 none of you so afflicted. 
 
 ' It is also a sovereign remedy for the diarrhoea, the 
 diagnostics of which are, faintness, frequent gripings, rumbling 
 in the bowels, cold sweats, and spasm.' 
 
 Here one man came forward and complained of frequent 
 gripings another of rumbling in the bowels, and two or three 
 more of cold sweats. 
 
 * It is well. Oh I thank Heaven that I am here to ad- 
 minister to you myself ! for what says Hippocrates? " Relativum 
 cum antecedents concordat" which means, that remedies quickly 
 applied, kill the disease in its birth. Here, my friends, take it 
 take it pay me only one shilling, and be thankful. When 
 you go to rest, fail not to offer up your prayers. It is also a 
 sovereign remedy for the dreadful chiragra or gout. I cured 
 the whole corporation of city aldermen last week, by their 
 taking three bottles each, and they presented me with the 
 freedom of the city of London, in a gold box, which I am 
 sorry that I have forgotten to bring with me. Now the 
 chiragra may be divided into several varieties. Gonagra, 
 when it attacks the knees chiragra, if in the hands onagra, 
 if in the elbow omagra, if in the shoulder, and lumbago, if 
 in the back. All these are varieties of gout, and for all these 
 the contents of this little bottle is a sovereign remedy ; and, 
 observe, it will keep for ever. Twenty years hence, when 
 afflicted in your old age and the time will come, my good 
 people you may take down this little phial from the shelf, 
 and bless the hour in which you spent your shilling ; for, as 
 Eusebius declares, " Verbum personale concordat cum nomi- 
 nativo" which is as much as to say, the active will grow old, 
 and suffer from pains in their limbs. Who, then, has pains 
 in his limbs, or lumbago ? Who, indeed, can say that he 
 will not have them ? 
 
 83 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 After this appeal, the number of those who had pains in 
 their limbs, or who wished to provide against such a disease, 
 proved so great, that all our phials were disposed of, and the 
 doctor was obliged to promise that in a few days he would 
 have some more of this invaluable medicine ready. 
 
 'Ladies and gentlemen, I shall now offer to your notice 
 a valuable plaster, the effects of which are miraculous. Diony- 
 sius, come hither, you have felt the benefit of this plaster ; 
 tell your case to those who are present, and mind you tell the 
 truth.' 
 
 Hereupon Timothy stepped forward. ' Ladies and gentle- 
 men, upon my honour, about three weeks back I fell off the 
 scaffold, broke my back-bone into three pieces, and was carried 
 off to a surgeon, who looked at me, and told the people to take 
 measure for my coffin. The great doctor was not there at the 
 time, having been sent for to consult with the king's physicians 
 upon the queen's case, of Cophagus, or intermitting mortifica- 
 tion of the great toe ; but fortunately, just as they were putting 
 me into a shell, my master came back, and immediately 
 applying his sovereign plaster to my back, in five days I was 
 able to sit up, and in ten days I returned to my duty.' 
 
 ' Are you quite well now, Dionysius ? ' 
 
 ' Quite well, sir, and my back is like whalebone.' 
 
 Try it. 3 
 
 Hereupon Dionysius threw two somersets forward, two 
 backward, walked across the stage on his hands, and tumbled 
 in every direction. 
 
 ' You see, gentlemen, I'm quite well now, and what I have 
 said, I assure you, on my honour, to be a fact.' 
 
 ' I hope you'll allow that to be a very pretty cure,' said the 
 doctor, appealing to the audience ; ' and I hardly need say, 
 that for sprains, bruises, contusions, wrenches, and dislocations, 
 this plaster is infallible ; and I will surprise you more by telling 
 you, that I can sell it for eight-pence a sheet.' 
 
 The plaster went off rapidly, and was soon expended. The 
 doctor went on describing his other valuable articles, and when 
 he came to his cosmetics, etc., for women, we could not hand 
 them out fast enough. ' And now,' said the doctor, ' I must 
 bid you farewell for this evening.' 
 
 ' I'm glad of that,' said Timothy, * for now I mean to sell 
 my own medicine.' 
 
 84 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Your medicine, Mr. Dionysius ! what do you mean by 
 that?' 
 
 1 Mean, sir ; I mean to say that I've got a powder of my 
 own contriving, which is a sovereign remedy.' 
 1 Remedy, sir, for what ? ' 
 
 * Why, it's a powder to kill fleas, and what's more, it's just 
 as infallible as your own.' 
 
 ' Have you, indeed ; and pray, sir, how did you hit upon 
 the invention ? ' 
 
 * Sir, I discovered it in my sleep by accident ; but I have 
 proved it, and I will say, if properly administered, it is quite 
 as infallible as any of yours. Ladies and gentlemen, I pledge 
 you my honour that it will have the effect desired, and all I 
 ask is sixpence a powder.' 
 
 ' But how is it to be used, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Used why, like all other powders ; but I won't give the 
 directions till I have sold some ; promising, however, if my 
 method does not succeed, to return the money.' 
 
 ' Well, that is fair, Mr. Dionysius ; and I will take care 
 that you keep your bargain. Will anybody purchase the 
 fool's powder for killing fleas.' 
 
 'Yes, I will,' replied a man on the broad grin, 'here's 
 sixpence. Now, then, fool, how am I to use it ? ' 
 
 ' Use it,' said Timothy, putting the sixpence in his pocket ; 
 ' I'll explain to you. You must first catch the flea, hold him 
 so tight between the forefinger and thumb as to force him to 
 open his mouth ; when his mouth is open you must put a very 
 little of this powder into it, and it will kill him directly.' 
 
 ' Why, when I have the flea as tight as you state, I may as 
 well kill him myself.' 
 
 ' Very true, so you may, if you prefer it ; but if you do not, 
 you may use this powder, which upon my honour is infallible.' 
 
 This occasioned a great deal of mirth among the bystanders. 
 Timothy kept his sixpence, and our exhibition for this day 
 ended, very much to the satisfaction of Melchior, who declared 
 he had taken more than ever he had done before in a whole 
 week. Indeed, the whole sum amounted to 17 : ios., all taken 
 in shillings and sixpences, for articles hardly worth the odd 
 shillings in the account ; so we sat down to supper with antici- 
 pations of a good harvest, and so it proved. We stayed four 
 days at this town, and then proceeded onwards, when the like 
 
 8s 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 success attended us, Timothy and I being obliged to sit up 
 nearly the whole night to label and roll up pills, and mix 
 medicines, which we did in a very scientific manner. Nor 
 was it always that Melchior presided ; he would very often 
 tell his audience that business required his attendance else- 
 where, to visit the sick, and that he left the explanation of his 
 medicines and their properties to his pupil, who was far 
 advanced in knowledge. With my prepossessing appearance, 
 I made a great effect, more especially among the ladies, and 
 Timothy exerted himself so much when with me, that we never 
 failed to bring home to Melchior a great addition to his 
 earnings so much so, that at last he only showed himself, 
 pretended that he was so importuned to visit sick persons, that 
 he could stay no longer, and then leave us, after the first half 
 hour, to carry on the business for him. After six weeks of 
 uninterrupted success, we returned to the camp, which, as 
 usual, was not very very far off. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 Important news, but not communicated A dissolution of partnership 
 takes place. 
 
 MELCHIOR'S profits had been much more than he anticipated, 
 and he was very liberal to Timothy and myself; indeed, he 
 looked upon me as his right hand, and became more intimate 
 and attached every day. We were, of course, delighted to 
 return to the camp, after our excursion. There was so much 
 continued bustle and excitement in our peculiar profession, 
 that a little quiet was delightful ; and I never felt more happy 
 than when Fleta threw herself into my arms, and Nattee came 
 forward with her usual dignity and grace, but with more than 
 usual condescendence and kindness, bidding me welcome home. 
 Home alas! it was never meant for my home, or poor Fleta's 
 and that I felt. It was our sojourn for a time, and no 
 more. 
 
 We had been more than a year exercising our talents in 
 this lucrative manner, when one day, as I was sitting at the 
 entrance to the tent, with a book in my hand, out of which 
 
 86 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Fleta was reading to me, a gipsy not belonging to our gang 
 made his appearance. He was covered with dust, and the 
 dew-drops, hanging on his dark forehead, proved that he had 
 travelled fast. He addressed Nattee, who was standing by, 
 in their own language, which I did not understand ; but I 
 perceived that he asked for Melchior. After an exchange of a 
 few sentences, Nattee expressed astonishment and alarm, put 
 her hands over her face, and removed them as quickly, as if 
 derogatory in her to show emotion, and then remained in deep 
 thought. Perceiving Melchior approaching, the gipsy hastened 
 to him, and they were soon in animated conversation. In ten 
 minutes it was over: the gipsy went to the running brook, 
 washed his face, took a large draught of water, and then 
 hastened away and was soon out of sight. 
 
 Melchior, who had watched the departure of the gipsy, 
 slowly approached us. I observed him and Nattee as they 
 met, as I was certain that something important had taken 
 place. Melchior fixed his eyes upon Natte'e she looked at 
 him mournfully folded her arms, and made a slight bow as if 
 in submission, and in a low voice quoted from the Scriptures, 
 * Whither thou goest, I will go thy people shall be my people, 
 and thy God my God.' He then walked away with her : they 
 sat down apart, and were in earnest conversation for more than 
 an hour. 
 
 'Japhet,' said Melchior to me, after he had quitted his 
 wife, ' what I am about to tell you will surprise you. I have 
 trusted you with all I dare trust any one, but there are some 
 secrets in every man's life which had better be reserved for 
 himself and her who is bound to him by solemn ties. We 
 must now part. In a few days this camp will be broken up, 
 and these people will join some other division of the tribe. 
 For me, you will see me no more. Ask me not to explain, for 
 I cannot.' 
 
 'And Natte'e,' said I. 
 
 ' Will follow my fortunes, whatever they may be you will 
 see her no more.' 
 
 ' For myself I care not, Melchior ; the world is before me, 
 and remain with the gipsies without you I will not : but 
 answer me one question what is to become of little Fleta ? 
 Is she to remain with the tribe, to which she does not belong, 
 or does she go with you ? ' 
 
 8? 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Melchior hesitated. ' I hardly can answer ; but what 
 consequence can the welfare of a soldier's brat be to you ? ' 
 
 'Allowing her to be what you assert, Melchior, I am 
 devotedly attached to that child, and could not bear that she 
 should remain here. I am sure that you deceived me in what 
 you stated ; for the child remembers, and has told me, 
 anecdotes of her infancy, which proves that she is of no mean 
 family, and that she has been stolen from her friends.' 
 
 * Indeed, is her memory so good ? ' replied Melchior, firmly 
 closing his teeth. ' To Nattee or to me she has never hinted 
 so much.' 
 
 1 That is very probable ; but a stolen child she is, Melchior, 
 and she must not remain here.' 
 
 Must not ! ' 
 
 ' Yes ; must not, Melchior : when you quit the tribe, you 
 will no longer have any power, nor can you have any interest 
 about her. She shall then choose if she will come with me, 
 I 'will take her, and nothing shall prevent me ; and in so 
 doing I do you no injustice, nor do I swerve in my fidelity.' 
 
 'How do you know that ? I may have my secret reasons 
 against it.' 
 
 ' Surely you can have no interest in a soldier's brat, 
 Melchior?' 
 
 Melchior appeared confused and annoyed. ' She is no 
 soldier's brat : I acknowledge, Japhet, that the child was 
 stolen ; but you must not, therefore, imply that the child was 
 stolen by me or by my wife.' 
 
 ' I never accused you, or thought you capable of it ; and 
 that is the reason why I am now surprised at the interest you 
 take in her. If she prefers to go with you, I have no more to 
 say, but if not, I claim her ; and if she consents, will resist 
 your interference.' 
 
 'Japhet,' replied Melchior after a pause, 'we must not 
 quarrel now that we are about to part. I will give you an 
 answer in half an hour.' 
 
 Melchior returned to Nattee, and recommenced a conversa- 
 tion with her, while I hastened to Fleta. 
 
 ' Fleta, do you know that the camp is to be broken up, and 
 Melchior and Nattee leave it together ? ' 
 
 ' Indeed ! ' replied she with surprise. ' Then what is to 
 become of you and Timothy ? ' 
 
 88 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' We must of course seek our fortunes where we can.' 
 
 * And of me ? ' continued she, looking me earnestly in the 
 face with her large blue eyes. ' Am I to stay here ? ' continued 
 she with alarm in her countenance. 
 
 ' Not if you do not wish it, Fleta : as long as I can support 
 you, I will that is, if you would like to live with me in 
 preference to Melchior.' 
 
 ' If I would like, Japhet ! you must know I would like, 
 who has been so kind to me as you ? Don't leave me, Japhet.' 
 
 ' I will not, Fleta ; but on condition that you promise to be 
 guided by me, and to do all I wish.' 
 
 * To do what you wish is the greatest pleasure that I have, 
 Japhet so I may safely promise that. What has happened ? ' 
 
 'That I do not know more than yourself; but Melchior 
 tells me that he and Nattee quit the gipsy tents for ever.' 
 
 Fleta looked round to ascertain if any one was near us, 
 and then in a low tone said, ' I understand their language, 
 Japhet, that is, a great deal of it, although they do not think 
 so, and I overheard what the gipsy said in part, although he 
 was at some distance. He asked for Melchior ; and when 
 Natte'e wanted to know what he wanted, he answered that * he 
 was dead ' ; then Nattee covered up her face. I could not 
 hear all the rest, but there was something about a horse} 
 
 He was dead. Had then Melchior committed murder, and 
 was obliged to fly the country ? This appeared to me to be 
 the most probable, when I collected the facts in my possession ; 
 and yet I could not believe it : for except that system of deceit 
 necessary to carry on his various professions, I never found any- 
 thing in Melchior's conduct which could be considered as criminal. 
 On the contrary, he was kind, generous, and upright in his 
 private dealings, and in many points proved that he had a good 
 heart. He was a riddle of inconsistency, it was certain ; 
 professionally he would cheat anybody, and disregard all truth 
 and honesty ; but in his private character he was scrupulously 
 honest, and with the exception of the assertion relative to 
 Fleta' s birth and parentage, he had never told me a lie, that I 
 could discover. I was summing up all these reflections in my 
 mind, when Melchior again came up to me, and desiring the 
 little girl to go away, he said, * Japhet, I have resolved to grant 
 your request with respect to Fleta, but it must be on conditions.' 
 
 4 Let me hear them,' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' First, then, Japhet, as you always have been honest and 
 confiding with me, tell me now what are your intentions. Do 
 you mean to follow up the profession which you learnt under 
 me, or what do you intend to do ? ' 
 
 ' Honestly, then, Melchior, I do not intend to follow up 
 that profession, unless driven to it by necessity. I intend to 
 seek my father. 3 
 
 ' And if driven to it by necessity, do you intend that Fleta 
 shall aid you by her acquirements ? In short, do you mean 
 to take her with you as a speculation, to make the most of 
 her, to let her sink, when she arrives at the age of woman, 
 into vice and misery ? ' 
 
 ' I wonder at your asking me that question, Melchior ; it is 
 the first act of injustice I have received at your hands. No ; 
 if obliged to follow up the profession, I will not allow Fleta so 
 to do. I would sooner that she were in her grave. It is to 
 rescue her from that very vice and misery, to take her out of 
 a society in which she never ought to have been placed, that 
 I take her with me. 3 
 
 * And this upon your honour ? 3 
 
 'Yes, upon my honour. I love her as my sister, and 
 cannot help indulging in the hope that in seeking my father I 
 may chance to stumble upon hers. 3 
 
 Melchior bit his lips. 'There is another promise I must 
 exact from you, Japhet, which is, that to a direction which I 
 will give you, every six months you will enclose an address 
 where you may be heard of, and also intelligence as to Fleta 3 s 
 welfare and health. 3 
 
 ' To that I give my cheerful promise ; but Melchior, you 
 appear to have taken, all at once, a strange interest in this 
 little girl.' 
 
 ' I wish you now to think that I do take an interest in her, 
 provided you seek not to inquire the why and the wherefore. 
 Will you accept of funds for her maintenance ? 3 
 
 ' Not without necessity compels me ; and then I should be 
 glad to find, when I can no longer help her, that you are still 
 her friend. 3 
 
 ' Recollect, that you will always find what is requisite by 
 writing to the address which I shall give you before we part. 
 That point is now settled, and on the whole I think the 
 arrangement is good.' 
 
 90 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Timothy had been absent during the events of the morning 
 when he returned, I communicated to him what had passed, 
 and was about to take place. 
 
 ' Well, Japhet, I don't know I do not dislike our present 
 life, yet I am not sorry to change it ; but what are we to do ? ' 
 
 * That remains to be considered : we have a good stock of 
 money, fortunately, and we must husband it till we find what 
 can be done.' 
 
 We took our suppers all together for the last time, Mel- 
 chior telling us that he had determined to set off the next 
 day. Nattee looked very melancholy, but resigned ; on the 
 contrary, little Fleta was so overjoyed, that her face, generally 
 so mournful, was illuminated with smiles whenever our eyes 
 met. It was delightful to see her so happy. The whole of 
 the people in the camp had retired, and Melchior was busy 
 making his arrangements in the tent. I did not feel inclined 
 to sleep ; I was thinking and revolving in my mind my pros- 
 pects for the future ; sitting, or rather lying down, for I was 
 leaning on my elbow, at a short distance from the tents. The 
 night was dark but clear, and the stars were brilliant. I had 
 been watching them, and I thought upon Melchior's ideas of 
 destiny, and dwelling on the futile wish that I could read 
 mine, when I perceived the approach of Nattee. 
 
 ' Japhet,' said she, * you are to take the little girl with you, 
 I find will you be careful of her ? for it would be on my 
 conscience if she were left to the mercy of the world. She 
 departs rejoicing, let not her joy end in tears. I depart 
 sorrowing. I leave my people, my kin, my habits, and cus- 
 toms, my influence, all but it must be so, it is my destiny. 
 She is a good child, Japhet promise me that you will be a 
 friend to her and give her this to wear in remembrance of 
 
 me, but not yet not till we are gone ' She 
 
 hesitated. * Japhet, do not let Melchior see it in your posses- 
 sion ; he may not like me having given it away.' I took the 
 piece of paper containing the present, and having promised 
 all she required, 'This is the last yes the very last time 
 that I may behold this scene,' continued Nattee, surveying 
 the common, the tents, and the animals browsing. ' Be it so ; 
 Japhet, good -night, may you prosper!' She then turned 
 away and entered her tent ; and soon afterwards I followed 
 her example. 
 
 91 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 The next day, Melchior was all ready. What he had 
 packed up was contained in two small bundles. He addressed 
 the people belonging to the gang, in their own language. 
 Nattee did the same, and the whole of them kissed her hand. 
 The tents, furniture, and the greatest part of his other property, 
 were distributed among them, Jumbo and Num were made 
 over to two of the principal men. Timothy, Fleta, and I 
 were also ready, and intended to quit at the same time as 
 Melchior and his wife. 
 
 * Japhet,' said Melchior, ' there is yet some money due to 
 you for our last excursion (this was true) here it is you 
 and Timothy keep but one purse, I am aware. Good-bye, and 
 may you prosper ! ' 
 
 We shook hands with Nattee and Melchior. Fleta went 
 up to the former, and crossing her arms bent her head. 
 Nattee kissed the child, and led her to Melchior. He stooped 
 down, kissed her on the forehead, and I perceived a sign of 
 strongly suppressed emotion as he did so. Our intended 
 routes lay in a different direction ; and when both parties had 
 arrived to either verge of the common, we waved our hands 
 as a last farewell, and resumed our paths again. Fleta burst 
 into tears as she turned away from her former guardians. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 A cabinet council I resolve to set up as a gentleman, having as legitimate 
 pretensions to the rank of one as many others. 
 
 I LED the little sobbing girl by the hand, and we proceeded 
 for some time in silence. It was not until we gained the 
 high road that Timothy interrupted my reverie, by observing, 
 ' Japhet, have you at all made up your mind what you shall 
 do?' 
 
 ' I have been reflecting, Timothy. We have lost a great 
 deal of time. The original intention with which I left London 
 has been almost forgotten ; but it must be so no longer. I 
 now have resolved that as soon as I have placed this poor 
 little girl in safety, that I will prosecute my search, and never 
 be diverted from it.' 
 
 92 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I cannot agree with you that we have lost time, Japhet ; 
 we had very little money when we started upon our expedition, 
 and now we have sufficient to enable you to prosecute your 
 plans for a long time. The question is, in what direction ? 
 We quitted London, and travelled west, in imitation, as we 
 thought, of the wise men. With all deference, in my opinion, 
 it was like two fools? 
 
 f I have been thinking upon that point also, Tim, and I 
 agree with you. I expect, from several causes, which you 
 know as well as I do, to find my father among the higher 
 classes of society ; and the path we took when we started has 
 led us into 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 
 
 93 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 our rank and station in society, without we obtain a situation 
 under government. 3 
 
 ' 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 de- 
 rived from this proposal of Timothy's ; but I did not like to 
 accept it. 
 
 * It is very kind of you, Timothy, 3 replied I ; c but I can 
 only look upon you as a friend and an equal. 3 
 
 ' There you are right and are wrong in the same breath. 
 You are right in looking upon me as a friend, Japhet ; and 
 you would be still more right in allowing me to prove my 
 friendship as I propose ; but you are wrong in looking upon 
 me as an equal, for I am not so either in personal appearance, 
 education, or anything else. We are both foundlings, it is 
 true ; but you were christened after Abraham Newland, and I 
 after the workhouse pump. You were a gentleman foundling, 
 presenting yourself with a fifty-pound note, and good clothes. 
 I made my appearance in rags and misery. If you find your 
 parents, you will rise in the world ; if I find mine, I shall, in 
 all probability, have no reason to be proud of them. I there- 
 fore must insist upon having my own choice in the part I am 
 to play in the drama, and I will prove to you that it is my 
 right to choose. You forget that, when we started, your 
 object was to search after your father, and I told you mine 
 should be to look after my mother. You have selected high 
 life as the expected sphere in which he is to be found, and I 
 select low life as that in which I am most likely to discover 
 the object of my search. So you perceive,' continued Tim, 
 laughing, * that we must arrange so as to suit the views of both 
 without parting company. Do you hunt among bag -wigs, 
 amber-headed canes, silks, and satins I will burrow among 
 
 94 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tags and tassels, dimity and mob caps ; and probably we shall 
 both succeed in the object of our search. I leave you to hunt 
 in the drawing-rooms, while I ferret in the kitchen. You may 
 throw yourself on a sofa and exclaim "Who is my father?" 
 while I will sit in the cook's lap, and ask her if she may 
 happen to be my mother.' 
 
 This sally of Timothy's made even Fleta laugh ; and after 
 a little more remonstrance, I consented that he should perform 
 the part of my valet. Indeed, the more I reflected upon it, 
 the greater appeared the advantages which might accrue from 
 the arrangement. By the time that this point had been settled, 
 we had arrived at the town to which we directed our steps, and 
 took up our quarters at an inn of moderate pretensions, but of 
 very great external cleanliness. My first object was to find 
 out some fitting asylum for little Fleta. The landlady was a 
 buxom, good-tempered young woman, and I gave the little girl 
 into her charge, while Timothy and I went out on a survey. I 
 had made up my mind to put her to some good, but not very 
 expensive, school, if such were to be found in the vicinity. I 
 should have preferred taking her with me to London, but I was 
 aware how much more expensive it would be to provide for her 
 there ; and as the distance from the metropolis was but twenty 
 miles, I could easily run down to see her occasionally. I 
 desired the little girl to call me her brother, as such I intended 
 to be to her in future, and not to answer every question they 
 might put to her. There was, however, little occasion for this 
 caution ; for Fleta was, as I before observed, very unlike 
 children in general. I then went out with Timothy to look 
 for a tailor, that I might order our clothes, as what we had 
 on were not either of the very best taste, or in the very best 
 condition. We walked up the main street, and soon fell in 
 with a tailor's shop, over which was written in large letters 
 * Feodor Shneider, Tailor to his Royal Highness the Prince 
 of Darmstadt.' 
 
 { Will that do, Japhet ? ' said Timothy, pointing to the 
 announcement. 
 
 ' Why, yes,' replied I ; ' but how the deuce the Prince of 
 Darmstadt should have employed a man in a small country 
 town as his tailor, is to me rather a puzzle.' 
 
 * Perhaps he made his clothes when he was in Germany,' 
 replied Tim. 
 
 95 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Perhaps he did ; but, however, he shall have the honour 
 of making mine.' 
 
 We entered the shop, and I ordered a suit of the most 
 fashionable clothes, choosing my colours, and being very 
 minute in my directions to the foreman, who measured me ; 
 but as I was leaving the shop the master, judging by my 
 appearance, which was certainly not exactly that of a gentle- 
 man, ventured to observe that it was customary with gentlemen, 
 whom they had not the honour of knowing, to leave a deposit. 
 Although the very proposal was an attack upon my gentility, 
 I made no reply ; but pulling out a handful of guineas, laid 
 down two on the counter and walked away, that I might find 
 another shop at which we might order the livery of Timothy ; 
 but this was only as a reconnoitre, as I did not intend to order 
 his liveries until I could appear in my own clothes, which were 
 promised on the afternoon of the next day. There were, how- 
 ever, several other articles to be purchased, such as a trunk, 
 portmanteau, hat, gloves, etc., all which we procured, and 
 then went back to the inn. On my return I ordered dinner. 
 Fleta was certainly clad in her best frock, but bad was the 
 best ; and the landlady, who could extract little from the child, 
 could not imagine who we could be. I had, however, allowed 
 her to see more than sufficient money to warrant our expenses ; 
 and so far her scruples were, although her curiosity was not, 
 removed. 
 
 That evening I had a long conversation with Fleta. I told 
 her that we were to part, that she must go to school, and that 
 I would very often come down to see her. At first, she was 
 inconsolable at the idea ; but I reasoned with her, and the 
 gentle, intelligent creature acknowledged that it was right. 
 The next day my clothes came home, and I dressed myself. 
 'Without flattery, Japhet,' said Timothy, 'you do look very 
 much like a gentleman.' Fleta smiled, and said the same. 
 I thought so too, but said nothing. Putting on my hat and 
 gloves, and accompanied by Timothy, I descended to go out 
 and order Tim liveries, as well as a fit-out for Fleta. 
 
 After I was out in the street I discovered that I had left 
 my handkerchief, and returned to fetch it. The landlady, 
 seeing a gentleman about to enter the inn, made a very low 
 courtesy, and it was not until I looked hard at her that she 
 recognised me. Then I was satisfied ; it was an involuntary 
 
 96 
 
I ..,*sb^Sa-=: r, 
 
 TVz^ master ventured to observe. 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan <& Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tribute to my appearance, worth all the flattering assertions in 
 the world. We now proceeded to the other tailor's in the 
 main street. I entered the shop with a flourishing, important 
 air, and was received with many bows. * I wish,' said I, 'to 
 have a suit of livery made for this young man, who is about 
 to enter into my service. I cannot take him up to town this 
 figure.' The livery was chosen, and as I expressed my wish 
 to be off the next evening, it was promised to be ready by an 
 hour appointed. 
 
 I then went to a milliner's, and desired that she would call 
 at the inn to fit out a little girl for school, whose wardrobe had 
 been left behind by mistake. On the fourth day all was ready. 
 I had made inquiries, and found out a very respectable school, 
 kept by a widow lady. I asked for references, which were 
 given, and I was satisfied. The terms were low twenty 
 pounds per annum. I paid the first half year in advance, and 
 lodged fifty guineas more in the hands of a banker, taking a 
 receipt for it, and giving directions that it was to be paid to 
 the schoolmistress as it became due. I took this precaution, 
 that should I be in poverty myself, at all events Fleta might 
 be provided in clothes and schooling for three years at least. 
 The poor child wept bitterly at the separation, and I could 
 with difficulty detach her little arms from my neck ; and I felt 
 when I left her as if I had parted with the only valuable object 
 to me on earth. 
 
 All was now ready ; but Timothy did not, as yet, assume 
 his new clothes. It would have appeared strange that one 
 who sat at my table should afterwards put on my livery ; and 
 as in a small town there is always plenty of scandal, for Fleta's 
 sake, if for no other reason, it was deferred until our arrival in 
 London. Wishing the landlady good-bye, who I really believed 
 would have given up her bill to have known who we could 
 possibly be, we got on the outside of the stage-coach, and in 
 the evening arrived at the metropolis. I have been particular 
 in describing all these little circumstances, as it proves how 
 very awkward it is to jump, without observation, from one 
 station in society to another. 
 
 98 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 I receive a letter from my uncle, by which I naturally expect to find out 
 who is my father Like other outcasts I am warned by a dream. 
 
 BUT I have omitted to mention a circumstance of great 
 importance which occurred at the inn the night before I placed 
 Fleta at the boarding-school. In looking over my portmanteau, 
 I perceived the present of Nattde to Fleta, which I had quite 
 forgotten. I took it to Fleta, and told her from whom it 
 came. On opening the paper, it proved to contain a long 
 chain of round coral and gold beads, strung alternately ; the 
 gold beads were not so large as the coral, but still the number 
 of them, and the purity of the metal, made them of considerable 
 value. Fleta passed the beads through her fingers, and then 
 threw it round her neck, and sat in deep thought for some 
 minutes. * Japhet,' said she at last, * I have seen this I have 
 worn this before I recollect that I have ; it rushes into my 
 memory as an old friend, and I think that before morning it 
 will bring to my mind something that I shall recollect about it.' 
 
 ' Try all you can, Fleta, and let me know to-morrow.' 
 
 * It's no use trying ; if I try, I never can recollect anything. 
 I must wear it to-night, and then I shall have something come 
 into my mind all of a sudden ; or perhaps I may dream some- 
 thing. Good-night.' 
 
 It immediately occurred to me that it was most probable 
 that the chain had been on Fleta's neck at the time that she 
 was stolen from her parents, and might prove the means of 
 her being identified. It was no common chain apparently 
 had been wrought by people in a state of semi-refinement. 
 There was too little show for its value too much sterling gold 
 for the simple effect produced ; and I very much doubted 
 whether another like it could be found. 
 
 The next morning Fleta was too much affected at parting 
 with me, to enter into much conversation. I asked whether 
 she had recollected anything, and she replied, * No ; that she 
 had cried all night at the thoughts of our separation.' I 
 cautioned her to be very careful of the chain, and I gave the 
 same caution to the schoolmistress ; and after I had left the 
 
 99 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 town, I regretted that I had not taken it away, and deposited it 
 in some place of security. I resolved to do so when I next saw 
 Fleta ; in the meantime she would be able, perhaps, by associa- 
 tion, to call up some passage of her infancy connected with it. 
 
 I had inquired of a gentleman who sat near me on the 
 coach, which was the best hotel for a young man of fashion. 
 He recommended the Piazza, in Covent Garden, and to that 
 we accordingly repaired. I selected handsome apartments, 
 and ordered a light supper. When the table was laid, Timothy 
 made his appearance in his livery, and cut a very smart, dash- 
 ing figure. I dismissed the waiter, and as soon as we were 
 alone I burst into a fit of laughter. ' Really, Timothy, this 
 is a good farce ; come, sit down, and help me to finish this 
 bottle of wine.' 
 
 ' No, sir,' replied Timothy ; ' with your permission, I prefer 
 doing as the rest of my fraternity. You only leave the bottle 
 on the sideboard, and I will steal as much as I want ; but as 
 for sitting down, that will be making too free, and if we were 
 seen, would be, moreover, very dangerous. We must both 
 keep up our characters. They have been plying me with all 
 manner of questions below, as to who you were your name, 
 etc. I resolved that I would give you a lift in the world, and 
 I stated that you had just arrived from making a grand tour 
 which is not a fib, after all and as for your name, I said that 
 you were at present incog} 
 
 1 But why did you make me incog. ? ' 
 
 ' Because it may suit you so to be ; and it certainly is the 
 truth, for you don't know your real name.' 
 
 We were here interrupted by the waiter bringing in a letter 
 upon a salver. * Here is a letter addressed to " I. or J. N., on his 
 return from his tour," sir,' said he ; ' I presume it is for you ? ' 
 
 'You may leave it,' said I, with nonchalance. 
 
 The waiter laid the letter on the table, and retired. 
 
 ' How very odd, Timothy this letter cannot be for me ; 
 and yet they are my initials. It is as much like a J as an I. 
 Depend upon it, it is some fellow who has just gained this 
 intelligence below, and has written to ask for a subscription to 
 his charity list, imagining that I am flush of money, and 
 liberal.' 
 
 * I suppose so,' replied Tim ; ' however, you may just as well 
 see what he says.' 
 
 100 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' But if I open it he will expect something. I had better 
 refuse it.' 
 
 ' Oh no, leave that to me ; I know how to put people off.' 
 
 ' After all, it is a fine thing to be a gentleman, and be peti- 
 tioned.' 
 
 I broke open the seal, and found that the letter contained 
 an enclosure addressed to another person. The letter was as 
 follows : 
 
 ' MY DEAR NEPHEW ["Bravo, sir," said Timothy; " you've 
 found an uncle already you'll soon find a father."] From 
 the great uncertainty of the post, I have not ventured to do 
 more than hint at what has come to light during this last 
 year, but as it is necessary that you should be acquainted 
 with the whole transaction, and as you had not decided 
 when you last wrote, whether you would prosecute your in- 
 tended three months' trip to Sicily, or return from Milan, 
 you may probably arrive when I am out of town ; I there- 
 fore enclose you a letter to Mr. Masterton, directing him to 
 surrender to you a sealed packet, lodged in his hands, con- 
 taining all the particulars, the letters which bear upon them, 
 and what has been proposed to avoid exposure ; which you may 
 peruse at your leisure, should you arrive before my return to 
 town. There is no doubt but that the affair may be hushed up, 
 and we trust that you will see the prudence of the measure ; as, 
 once known, it will be very discreditable to the family escutcheon. 
 [" I always had an idea you were of good family," interrupted 
 Tim.] I wish you had followed my advice, and had not returned ; 
 but as you were positive on that point, I beg you will now 
 consider the propriety of remaining incognito, as reports are 
 already abroad, and your sudden return will cause a great deal 
 of surmise. Your long absence at the Gottingen University, 
 and your subsequent completion of your grand tour, will have 
 effaced all remembrance of your person, and you can easily be 
 passed off as a particular friend of mine, and I can introduce 
 you everywhere as such. Take then any name you may please, 
 provided it be not Smith or Brown, or such vulgarisms ; and 
 on the receipt of this letter, write a note, and send it to my 
 house in Portman Square, just saying, " So and so is arrived." 
 This will prevent the servants from obtaining any information 
 by their prying curiosity ; and as I have directed all my letters 
 
 101 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to be forwarded to my seat in Worcestershire, I shall come up 
 immediately that I receive it, and by your putting the name 
 which you mean to assume, I shall know whom to ask for 
 when I call at the hotel. Your affectionate uncle, 
 
 ' WlNDERMEAR.' 
 
 ' One thing is very clear, Timothy,' said I, laying the letter 
 on the table, * that it cannot be intended for me.' 
 
 ' How do you know, sir, that this lord is not your uncle ? 
 At all events, you must do as he bids you.' 
 
 ' What go for the papers ! most certainly I shall not.' 
 
 * Then how in the name of fortune do you expect to find 
 your father, when you will not take advantage of such an 
 opportunity of getting into society ? It is by getting possession 
 of other people's secrets, that you will worm out your own.' 
 
 ' But it is dishonest, Timothy.' 
 
 ' A letter is addressed to you, in which you have certain 
 directions ; you break the seal with confidence, and you read 
 what you find is possibly not for you ; but depend upon it, 
 Japhet, that a secret obtained is one of the surest roads to 
 promotion. Recollect your position ; cut off from the world, 
 you have to reunite yourself with it, to recover your footing, 
 and create an interest. You have not those who love you to 
 help you you must not scruple to obtain your object by fear. 
 
 1 That is a melancholy truth, Tim,' replied I ; l and I believe 
 I must put my strict morality in my pocket.' 
 
 * Do, sir, pray, until you can afford to be moral ; it's a very 
 expensive virtue that ; a deficiency of it made you an outcast 
 from the world ; you must not scruple at a slight deficiency on 
 your own part, to regain your position.' 
 
 There was so much shrewdness, so much of the wisdom 
 of the serpent in the remarks of Timothy, that, added to my 
 ardent desire to discover my father, which since my quitting 
 the gipsy camp had returned upon me with two-fold force, my 
 scruples were overcome, and I resolved that I would not lose 
 such an opportunity. Still I hesitated, and went up into my 
 room, that I might reflect upon what I should do. I went to 
 bed revolving the matter in my mind, and turning over from 
 one position to the other, at one time deciding that I would 
 not take advantage of the mistake, at another quite as resolved 
 that I would not throw away such an opening for the prosecu- 
 
 102 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tion of my search ; at last I fell into an uneasy slumber, and 
 had a strange dream. I thought that I was standing upon an 
 isolated rock, with the waters raging around me ; the tide was 
 rising, and at last the waves were roaring at my feet. I was 
 in a state of agony, and expected that, in a short time, I should 
 be swallowed up. The mainland was not far off, and I per- 
 ceived well-dressed people in crowds, who were enjoying them- 
 selves, feasting, dancing, and laughing in merry peals. I held 
 out my hands I shouted to them they saw, and heard me, 
 but heeded me not. My horror at being swept away by the 
 tide was dreadful. I shrieked as the water rose. At last I 
 perceived something unroll itself from the mainland, and 
 gradually advancing to the inland, formed a bridge by which 
 I could walk over and be saved. I was about to hasten over, 
 when ' Private, and no thoroughfare,' appeared at the end 
 nearest me, in large letters of fire. I started back with amaze- 
 ment, and would not, dared not pass them. When all of a 
 sudden, a figure in white appeared by my side, and said to me, 
 pointing to the bridge, ' Self-preservation is the first law of 
 nature.' 
 
 I looked at the person who addressed me ; gradually the 
 figure became darker and darker, until it changed to Mr. 
 Cophagus, with his stick up to his nose. 'Japhet, all nonsense 
 very good bridge um walk over find father and so 
 on.' I dashed over the bridge, which appeared to float on the 
 water, and to be composed of paper, gained the other side, and 
 was received with shouts of congratulation, and the embraces 
 of the crowd. I perceived an elderly gentleman come forward ; 
 I knew it was my father, and I threw myself into his arms. 
 I awoke, and found myself rolling on the floor, embracing the 
 bolster with all my might. Such was the vivid impression of 
 this dream, that I could not turn my thoughts away from it, 
 and at last I considered that it was a divine interposition. 
 All my scruples vanished, and before the day had dawned I 
 determined that I would follow the advice of Timothy. An 
 enthusiast is easily led to believe what he wishes, and he 
 mistakes his own feelings for warnings ; the dreams arising 
 from his daily contemplations for the interference of Heaven. 
 He thinks himself armed by supernatural assistance, and 
 warranted by the Almighty to pursue his course, even if that 
 course should be contrary to the Almighty's precepts. Thus 
 
 103 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was I led away by my own imaginings, and thus was my 
 monomania increased to an impetus which forced before it 
 all consideration of what was right or wrong. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 An important chapter I make some important acquaintances, obtain 
 some important papers, which I am importunate to read through. 
 
 THE next morning I told my dream to Timothy, who laughed 
 very heartily at my idea of the finger of Providence. At last, 
 perceiving that I was angry with him, he pretended to be 
 convinced. When I had finished my breakfast, I sent to 
 inquire the number in the square of Lord Windermear's town 
 house, and wrote the following simple note to his lordship, 
 l japhet Newland has arrived from his tour at the Piazza, 
 Covent Garden.' This was confided to Timothy, and I then 
 set off with the other letter to Mr. Masterton, which was 
 addressed to Lincoln's Inn. By reading the addresses of the 
 several legal gentlemen, I found out that Mr. Masterton was 
 located on the first floor. I rang the bell, which had the effect 
 of ' Open, Sesame,' as the door appeared to swing to admit me 
 without any assistance. I entered an ante -room, and from 
 thence found myself in the presence of Mr. Masterton a little 
 old man, with spectacles on his nose, sitting at a table covered 
 with papers. He offered me a chair, and I presented the 
 letter. 
 
 ' I see that I am addressing Mr. Neville,' said he, after he 
 had perused the letter. ' I congratulate you on your return. 
 You may not, perhaps, remember me ? ' 
 
 * Indeed, sir, I cannot say that I do exactly.' 
 
 4 I could not expect it, my dear sir, you have been so long 
 away. You have very much improved in person, I must say ; 
 yet still, I recollect your features as a mere boy. Without 
 compliment, I had no idea that you would ever have made so 
 handsome a man.' I bowed to the compliment. ' Have you 
 heard from your uncle ? ' 
 
 * I had a few lines from Lord Windermear, enclosing your 
 letter.' 
 
 104 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' He is well, I hope.' 
 
 ' Quite well, I believe.' 
 
 Mr. Masterton then rose, went to an iron safe, and brought 
 out a packet of papers, which he put into my hands. ' You 
 will read these with interest, Mr. Neville. I am a party to 
 the whole transaction, and must venture to advise you not to 
 appear in England under your own name, until all is settled. 
 Your uncle, I perceive, has begged the same.' 
 
 ' And I have assented, sir. I have taken a name instead 
 of my real one.' 
 
 ' May I ask what it is ? ' 
 
 ' I call myself Mr. Japhet Newland.' 
 
 'Well, it is singular, but perhaps as good as any other. 
 I will take it down, in case I have to write to you. Your 
 address is 
 
 ' Piazza Covent Garden.' 
 
 Mr. Masterton took my name and address, I took the 
 papers, and then we both took leave of one another, with 
 many expressions of pleasure and good-will. 
 
 I returned to the hotel, where I found Timothy waiting 
 for me, with impatience. 'Japhet,' said he, 'Lord Windermear 
 has not yet left town. I have seen him, for I was called back 
 after I left the house, by the footman, who ran after me he 
 will be here immediately.' 
 
 ' Indeed,' replied I. ' Pray what sort of person is he, and 
 what did he say to you ? ' 
 
 ' He sent for me in the dining-parlour, where he was at 
 breakfast, asked when you arrived, whether you were well, 
 and how long I had been in your service. I replied that I 
 had not been more than two days, and had just put on my 
 liveries. He then desired me to tell Mr. Newland that he 
 would call upon him in about two hours. Then, my lord,' 
 replied I, ' I had better go and tell him to get out of bed.' 
 
 ' The lazy dog ! ' said he, ' nearly one o'clock, and not 
 out of bed ; well, go then, and get him dressed as fast as 
 you can.' 
 
 Shortly afterwards a handsome carriage with greys drew 
 up to the door. His lordship sent in his footman to ask 
 whether Mr. Newland was at home. The reply of the waiter 
 was, that there was a young gentleman who had been there 
 two or three days, who had come from making a tour, and 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 his name did begin with an N. * That will do, James ; let 
 down the steps.' His lordship alighted, was ushered up stairs, 
 and into my room. There we stood, staring at each other. 
 ' Lord Windermear, I believe,' said I, extending my hand. 
 
 * You have recognised me first, John,' said he, taking my 
 hand, and looking earnestly in my face. ' Good heavens ! 
 is it possible that an awkward boy should have grown up into 
 so handsome a fellow ? I shall be proud of my nephew. Did 
 you remember me when I entered the room ? ' 
 
 * To tell the truth, my lord, I did not ; but expecting you, 
 I took it for granted that it must be you.' 
 
 * Nine years make a great difference, John ; but I forget, 
 I must now call you Japhet. Have you been reading the Bible 
 lately, that you fixed upon that strange name ? ' 
 
 1 No, my lord ; but this hotel is such a Noah's ark, that 
 it's no wonder I thought of it.' 
 
 'You're an undutiful dog, not to ask after your mother, 
 
 I was about- 
 
 < I see I see,' interrupted his lordship ; ' but recollect, 
 John, that she still is your mother. By the bye, have you read 
 the papers yet ? ' 
 
 ' No, sir,' replied I ; ' there they are,' pointing to them on 
 the side table. ' I really do not like to break the seals.' 
 
 'That they will not contain pleasant intelligence, I admit,' 
 replied his lordship ; ' but until you have read them, I do not 
 wish to converse with you on the subject ; therefore,' said he, 
 taking up the packet, and breaking the seals, * I must now 
 insist that you employ this forenoon in reading them through. 
 You will dine with me at seven, and then we will talk the 
 matter over.' 
 
 ' Certainly, sir, if you wish it, I will read them.' 
 
 * I must insist upon it, John ; and am rather surprised at 
 your objecting, when they concern you so particularly.' 
 
 ' I shall obey your orders, sir.' 
 
 ' Well, then, my boy, I shall wish you good morning, that 
 you may complete your task before you come to dinner. To- 
 morrow, if you wish it but recollect, I never press young 
 men on these points, as I am aware that they sometimes feel 
 it a restraint if you wish it, I say, you may bring your port- 
 manteaus, and take up your quarters with me. By the bye,' 
 
 106 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 continued his lordship, taking hold of my coat, 'who made 
 this?' 
 
 'The tailor to his Serene Highness the Prince of Darmstadt 
 had that honour, my lord,' replied I. 
 
 'Humph ! I thought they fitted better in Germany ; it's not 
 quite the thing we must consult Stulz, for with that figure 
 and face, the coat ought to be quite correct. Adieu, my dear 
 fellow, till seven.' 
 
 His lordship shook hands with me, and I was left alone. 
 Timothy came in as soon as his lordship's carriage had driven 
 off. ' Well, sir,' said he, ' was your uncle glad to see you ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied I ; ' and look, he has broken open the seals, 
 and has insisted upon my reading the papers.' 
 
 ' It would be very undutiful in you to refuse, so I had better 
 leave you to your task,' said Timothy, smiling, as he quitted 
 the room. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 I open an account with my bankers, draw largely upon credulity, 
 and am prosperous without a check. 
 
 I SAT down and took up the papers. I was immediately and 
 strangely interested in all that I read. A secret ! it was, 
 indeed, a secret, involving the honour and reputation of the 
 most distinguished families. One that, if known, the trumpet 
 of scandal would have blazoned forth to the disgrace of the 
 aristocracy. It would have occasioned bitter tears to some, 
 gratified the petty malice of many, satisfied the revenge of the 
 vindictive, and bowed with shame the innocent as well as the 
 guilty. It is not necessary, nor, indeed, would I, on any 
 account, state any more. I finished the last paper, and then 
 fell into a reverie. This is, indeed, a secret, thought I ; one 
 that I would I never had possessed. In a despotic country 
 my life would be sacrificed to the fatal knowledge here, thank 
 God, my life as well as my liberty are safe. 
 
 The contents of the papers told me all that was necessary 
 to enable me to support the character which I had assumed. 
 The reason why the party, whom I was supposed to be, was 
 
 107 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 intrusted with it, was, that he was in a direct line, eventually 
 heir, and the question was whether he would wave his claim 
 with the others, and allow death to bury crime in oblivion. I 
 felt that were I in his position I should so do and therefore was 
 prepared to give an answer to his lordship. I sealed up the 
 papers, dressed myself, and went to dinner ; and after the cloth 
 was removed, Lord Windermear, first rising and turning the 
 key in the door, said to me, in a low voice, ' You have read the 
 papers, and what those, nearly as much interested as you are 
 in this lamentable business, have decided upon. Tell me, 
 what is your opinion ? ' 
 
 ' My opinion, my lord, is, that I wish I had never known 
 what has come to light this day that it will be most advisable 
 never to recur to the subject, and that the proposals made are, 
 in my opinion, most judicious, and should be acted upon.' 
 
 ' That is well,' replied his lordship ; ' then all are agreed, 
 and I am proud to find you possessed of such honour and 
 good feeling. We now drop the subject for ever. Are you 
 inclined to leave town with me, or what do you intend to do ? ' 
 
 ' I prefer remaining in town, if your lordship will introduce 
 me to some of the families of your acquaintance. Of course I 
 know no one now. 3 
 
 'Very true ; I will introduce you, as agreed, as Mr. Newland. 
 It may be as well that you do not know any of our relations, 
 whom I have made to suppose that you are still abroad and 
 it would be awkward, when you take your right name by and 
 by. Do you mean to see your mother ? ' 
 
 ' Impossible, my lord, at present ; by and by I hope to be 
 able.' 
 
 ' Perhaps it's all for the best. I will now write one note to 
 Major Carbonnell, introducing you as my particular friend, and 
 requesting that he will make London agreeable. He knows 
 everybody, and will take you everywhere.' 
 
 ' When does your lordship start for the country ? ' 
 
 ' To-morrow ; so we may as well part to-night. By the bye, 
 you have credit at Drummond's, in the name of Newland, for 
 a thousand pounds ; the longer you make it last you, the 
 better.' 
 
 His lordship gave me the letter of introduction. I returned 
 to him the sealed packet, shook hands with him, and took my 
 departure. 
 
 1 08 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Well, sir,' said Timothy, rubbing his hands, as he stood 
 before me, ' what is the news ; for I am dying to hear it and 
 what is this secret ? ' 
 
 ' With regard to the secret, Tim, a secret it must remain. 
 I dare not tell it even to you.' Timothy looked rather grave 
 at this reply. ' No, Timothy, as a man of honour, I cannot.' 
 My conscience smote me when I made use of the term ; for, 
 as a man of honour, I had no business to be in possession of 
 it. ' My dear Timothy, I have done wrong already, do not ask 
 me to do worse.' 
 
 ' I will not, Japhet ; but only tell me what has passed, and 
 what you intend to do ? ' 
 
 ' That I will, Timothy, with pleasure ' ; and I then stated 
 all that had passed between his lordship and me. ' And now, 
 you observe, Timothy, I have gained what I desired, an intro- 
 duction into the best society.' 
 
 ' And the means of keeping up your appearance,' echoed 
 Timothy, rubbing his hands. ' A thousand pounds will last a 
 long while.' 
 
 ' It will last a very long while, Tim, for I never will touch 
 it ; it would be swindling.' 
 
 ' So it would,' replied Tim, his countenance falling ; ' well, 
 I never thought of that.' 
 
 ' I have thought of much more, Tim ; recollect I must, in a 
 very short time, be exposed to Lord Windermear, for the real 
 Mr. Neville will soon come home.' 
 
 ' Good heavens ! what will become of us ? ' replied Timothy, 
 with alarm in his countenance. 
 
 ' Nothing can hurt you, Tim, the anger will be all upon me; 
 but I am prepared to face it, and I would face twice as much 
 for the distant hope of finding my father. Whatever Lord 
 Windermear may feel inclined to do, he can do nothing ; and 
 my possession of the secret will insure even more than my 
 safety ; it will afford me his protection, if I demand it.' 
 
 ' I hope it may prove so,' replied Timothy, ' but I feel a 
 little frightened.' 
 
 * I do not : to-morrow I shall give my letter of introduction, 
 and then I will prosecute my search. So now, my dear Tim, 
 good-night.' 
 
 The next morning, I lost no time in presenting my letter 
 of introduction to Major Carbonnell. He lived in apartments 
 
 109 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 on the first floor in St. James's Street, and I found him at 
 breakfast, in a silk dressing gown. I had made up my mind 
 that a little independence always carries with it an air of 
 fashion. When I entered, therefore, I looked at him with a 
 knowing air, and dropping the letter down on the table before 
 him, said, * There's something for you to read, major ; and, 
 in the meantime, I'll refresh myself on this chair'; suiting 
 the action to the word, I threw myself on a chair, amusing 
 myself with tapping the sides of my boots with a small cane 
 which I carried in my hand. 
 
 Major Carbonnell, upon whom I cast a furtive eye more 
 than once during the time that he was reading the letter, was 
 a person of about thirty- five years of age, well -looking, but 
 disfigured by the size of his whiskers, which advanced to the 
 corners of his mouth, and met under his throat. He was tall 
 and well made, and with an air of fashion about him that was 
 undeniable. His linen was beautifully clean and carefully 
 arranged, and he had as many rings on his fingers, and, when 
 he was dressed, chains and trinkets, as ever were put on by 
 a lady. 
 
 ' My dear sir, allow me the honour of making at once your 
 most intimate acquaintance,' said he, rising from his chair, 
 and offering his hand, as soon as he had perused the letter. 
 'Any friend of Lord Windermear's would be welcome, but 
 when he brings such an extra recommendation in his own 
 appearance, he becomes doubly so.' 
 
 * Major Carbonnell,' replied I, ' I have seen you but two 
 minutes, and I have taken a particular fancy to you, in 
 which I, no doubt, have proved my discrimination. Of course, 
 you know that I have just returned from making a tour ? ' 
 
 1 So I understand from his lordship's letter. Mr. New- 
 land, my time is at your service. Where are you staying ? ' 
 
 1 At the Piazza.' 
 
 ' Very good ; I will dine with you to-day ; order some 
 mulligatawny, they are famous for it. After dinner we will 
 go to the theatre.' 
 
 I was rather surprised at his cool manner of asking himself 
 to dine with me and ordering my dinner, but a moment's 
 reflection made me feel what sort of person I had to deal with. 
 
 'Major, I take that as almost an affront. You will dine 
 with me to-day f I beg to state that you must dine with me 
 
 no 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 every day that we are not invited elsewhere ; and what's more, 
 sir, I shall be most seriously displeased, if you do not order 
 the dinner every time that you do dine with me, and ask 
 whoever you may think worthy of putting their legs under our 
 table. Let's have no doing things by halves, major ; I know 
 you now as well as if we had been intimate for ten years.' 
 
 The major seized me by the hand. ' My dear Newland, 
 I only wish we had known one another ten years, as you say 
 the loss has been mine ; but now you have breakfasted, 
 I presume ? ' 
 
 1 Yes ! having nothing to do, and not knowing a soul after 
 my long absence, I advanced my breakfast about two hours, 
 that I might find you at home ; and now I'm at your 
 service.' 
 
 ' Say rather I am at yours. I presume you will walk. In 
 ten minutes I shall be ready. Either take up the paper, or 
 whistle an air or two, or anything else you like, just to kill 
 ten minutes and I shall be at your command.' 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 I come out under a first-rate chaperon, and at once am established into 
 the regions of fashion Prove that I am deserving of my promotion. 
 
 ' I BEG pardon, Newland,' said the major, returning from his 
 dressing-room, resplendent with chains and bijouterie ; ' but I 
 must have your Christian name.' 
 
 ' It's rather a strange one,' replied I ; ' it is Japhet.' 
 
 ' Japhet ! by the immortal powers, I'd bring an action 
 against my godfathers and godmothers ; you ought to recover 
 heavy damages.' 
 
 ' Then I presume you would not have the name,' replied I, 
 with a knowing look, 'for a clear ten thousand a year.' 
 
 'Whew! that alters the case it's astonishing how well 
 any name looks in large gold letters. Well, as the old gentle- 
 man, whoever he might have been, made you compensation, 
 you must forgive and forget. Now where shall we go ? ' 
 
 ' With your permission, as I came to town in these clothes, 
 made by a German tailor Darmstadt's tailor, by the bye but 
 
 112 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 still if tailor to a prince, not the prince of tailors I would wish 
 you to take me to your own : your dress appears very correct.' 
 
 ' You show your judgment, Newland, it is correct ; Stulz 
 will be delighted to have your name on his books, and to do 
 justice to that figure. Allons done.' 
 
 We sauntered up St. James's Street, and before I had 
 arrived at Stulz's, I had been introduced to at least twenty 
 of the young men about town. The major was most par- 
 ticular in his directions about the clothes, all of which he 
 ordered ; and as I knew that he was well acquainted with the 
 fashion, I gave him carte blanche. When we left the shop, 
 he said, ' Now, my dear Newland, I have given you a proof 
 of friendship, which no other man in England has had. Your 
 dress will be the ne plus ultra. There are little secrets only 
 known to the initiated, and Stulz is aware that this time I am 
 in earnest. I am often asked to do the same for others, and 
 I pretend so to do : but a wink from me is sufficient, and 
 Stulz dares not dress them. Don't you want some bijouterie ? 
 or have you any at home ? ' 
 
 ' I may as well have a few trifles,' replied I. 
 
 We entered a celebrated jeweller's, and he selected for me 
 to the amount of about forty pounds. * That will do never 
 buy much ; for it is necessary to change every three months 
 at least. What is the price of this chain ? ' 
 
 4 It is only fifteen guineas, major.' 
 
 'Well, I shall take it; but recollect,' continued the major, 
 ' I tell you honestly I never shall pay you.' 
 
 The jeweller smiled, bowed, and laughed ; the major threw 
 the chain round his neck, and we quitted the shop. 
 
 ' At all events, major, they appear not to believe your word 
 in that shop.' 
 
 ' My dear fellow, that's their own fault, not mine. I tell 
 them honestly I never will pay them ; and you may depend 
 upon it, I intend most sacredly to keep my word. I never do 
 pay anybody, for the best of all possible reasons, I have no 
 money ; but then I do them a service I make them fashion- 
 able, and they know it.' 
 
 ' What debts do you pay then, major ? ' 
 
 ' Let me think that requires consideration. Oh ! I pay 
 my washerwoman.' 
 
 ' Don't you pay your debts of honour ? ' 
 I 113 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Debts of honour ! why, I'll tell you the truth ; for I know 
 that we shall hunt in couples. If I win I take the money : 
 but if I lose why then I forget to pay; and I always tell 
 them so before I sit down to the table. If they won't believe 
 me, it's not my fault. But what's the hour? Come, I must 
 make a few calls, and will introduce you.' 
 
 We sauntered on to Grosvenor Square, knocked, and were 
 admitted into a large, elegantly -furnished mansion. The 
 footman announced us ' My dear Lady Maelstrom, allow me 
 the honour of introducing to you my very particular friend, 
 Mr. Newland, consigned to my charge by my Lord Winder- 
 mear during his absence. He has just arrived from the 
 Continent, where he has been making the grand tour.' 
 
 Her ladyship honoured me with a smile. * By the bye, 
 major, that reminds me do me the favour to come to the 
 window. Excuse us one moment, Mr. Newland.' 
 
 The major and Lady Maelstrom walked to the window, 
 and exchanged a few sentences, and then returned. Her 
 ladyship holding up her ringer, and saying to him as they 
 came towards me, ' Promise me now that you won't forget.' 
 
 1 Your ladyship's slightest wishes are to me imperative 
 commands,' replied the major, with a graceful bow. 
 
 In a quarter of an hour, during which the conversation was 
 animated, we rose to take our leave, when her ladyship came 
 up to me, and offering her hand said, ' Mr. Newland, the 
 friendship of Lord Windermear, and the introduction of 
 Major Carbonnell, are more than sufficient to induce me to 
 put your name down on my visiting list. I trust I shall see 
 a great deal of you, and that we shall be great friends.' 
 
 I bowed to this handsome announcement, and we retired. 
 As soon as we were out in the square, the major observed, 
 ' You saw her take me on one side it was to pump. She 
 has no daughters, but about fifty nieces, and match-making is 
 her delight. I told her that I would stake my honour upon 
 your possessing ten thousand a year ; how much more I could 
 not say. I was not far wrong, was I ? ' 
 
 I laughed. What I may be worth, major, I really cannot 
 say ; but I trust that the event will prove that you are not far 
 wrong. Say no more, my dear fellow.' 
 
 ' I understand you are not yet of age of course, have 
 not yet come into possession of your fortune.' 
 
 114 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'That is exactly the case, major. I am now but little 
 more than nineteen.' 
 
 1 You look older ; but there is no getting over baptismal 
 registries with the executors. Newland, you must content 
 yourself for the two next years in playing Moses, and only 
 peep at the promised land.' 
 
 We made two or three more calls, and then returned to 
 St. James's Street. * Where shall we go now ? By the bye, 
 don't you want to go to your banker's ? ' 
 
 ' I will just stroll down with you, and see if they have paid 
 any money in,' replied I, carelessly. 
 
 We called at Drummond's, and I asked them if there was 
 any money paid into the credit of Mr. Newland. 
 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied one of the clerks : ' there is one thousand 
 pounds paid in yesterday.' 
 
 ' Very good,' replied I. 
 
 ' How much do you wish to draw for ? ' inquired the major. 
 
 ' I don't want any,' replied I. 'I have more money than I 
 ought to have in my desk at this moment.' 
 
 * Well, then, let us go and order dinner ; or perhaps you 
 would like to stroll about a little more ; if so, I will go and 
 order the dinner. Here's Harcourt, that's lucky. Harcourt, 
 my dear fellow, know Mr. Newland, my very particular friend. 
 I must leave you now ; take his arm, Harcourt, for half an 
 hour, and then join us at dinner at the Piazza.' 
 
 Mr. Harcourt was an elegant young man of about five-and- 
 twenty. Equally pleased with each other's externals, we were 
 soon familiar : he was witty, sarcastic, and well-bred. After 
 half an hour's conversation he asked me what I thought of the 
 major. I looked him in the face and smiled. 'That look 
 tells me that you will not be his dupe, otherwise I had warned 
 you : he is a strange character ; but if you have money enough 
 to afford to keep him, you cannot do better, as he is acquainted 
 with, and received by, everybody. His connections are good ; 
 and he once had a very handsome fortune, but it was soon run 
 out, and he was obliged to sell his commission in the Guards. 
 Now he lives upon the world ; which, as Shakespeare says, is 
 his oyster ; and he has wit and sharpness enough to open it. 
 Moreover, he has some chance of falling into a peerage ; that 
 prospect, and his amusing qualities, added to his being the 
 most fashionable man about town, keeps his head above 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 water. I believe Lord Windermear, who is his cousin, very 
 often helps him.' 
 
 ' It was Lord Windermear who introduced me to him,' 
 observed I. 
 
 'Then he will not venture to play any tricks upon you, 
 further than eating your dinners, borrowing your money, and 
 forgetting to pay it.' 
 
 'You must acknowledge,' said I, 'he always tells you 
 beforehand that he never will pay you.' 
 
 ' And that is the only point in which he adheres to his 
 word,' replied Harcourt, laughing ; ' but, tell me, am I to be 
 your guest to-day ? ' 
 
 ' If you will do me that honour.' 
 
 ' I assure you I am delighted to come, as I shall have a 
 further opportunity of cultivating your acquaintance.' 
 
 ' Then we had better bend our steps towards the hotel, for 
 it is late,' replied I ; and we did so accordingly. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 The real Simon Pure proves the worse of the two I am found guilty, but 
 not condemned ; convicted, yet convince ; and after having behaved 
 the very contrary to, prove that I am, a gentleman. 
 
 ON our arrival, we found the table spread, champagne in ice 
 under the sideboard, and apparently everything prepared for a 
 sumptuous dinner, the major on the sofa giving directions to 
 the waiter, and Timothy looking all astonishment. 
 
 ' Major,' said I, ' I cannot tell you how much I am obliged 
 to you for your kindness in taking all this trouble off my 
 hands, that I might follow up the agreeable introduction you 
 have given me to Mr. Harcourt.' 
 
 ' My dear Newland, say no more ; you will, I dare say, do 
 the same for me if I require it, when I give a dinner. 
 (Harcourt caught my eye, as if to say, 'You may safely 
 promise that.') But, Newland, do you know that the nephew 
 of Lord Windermear has just arrived ? Did you meet 
 abroad ? ' 
 
 ' No,' replied I, somewhat confused ; but I soon recovered 
 116 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 myself. As for Tim, he bolted out of the room. ' What sort 
 of a person is he ? ' 
 
 ' That you may judge for yourself, my dear fellow, for I 
 asked him to join us, I must say, more out of compliment to 
 Lord Windermear than anything else ; for I am afraid that 
 even I could never make a gentleman of him. But take 
 Harcourt with you to your room, and by the time you have 
 washed your hands, I will have dinner on the table. I took 
 the liberty of desiring your valet to show me in about ten 
 minutes ago. He's a shrewd fellow that of yours where did 
 you pick him up ? ' 
 
 ' By mere accident,' replied I : ' come, Mr. Harcourt.' 
 
 On our return we found the real Simon Pure, Mr. Estcourt, 
 sitting with the major, who introduced us, and dinner being 
 served, we sat down to table. 
 
 Mr. Estcourt was a young man, about my own age, but 
 not so tall by two or three inches. His features were 
 prominent, but harsh ; and when I saw him, I was not at all 
 surprised at Lord Windermear's expressions of satisfaction, 
 when he supposed that I was his nephew. His countenance 
 was dogged and sullen, and he spoke little : he appeared to 
 place an immense value upon birth, and hardly deigned to 
 listen, except the aristocracy were the subject of discourse. I 
 treated him with marked deference, that I might form an 
 acquaintance, and found before we parted that night, that I 
 had succeeded. Our dinner was excellent, and we were all, 
 except Mr. Estcourt, in high good humour. We sat late too 
 late to go to the theatre, and promising to meet the next day 
 at noon, Harcourt and the major took their leave. 
 
 Mr. Estcourt had indulged rather too much, and, after 
 their departure, became communicative. I plied the bottle, 
 and we sat up for more than an hour ; he talked of nothing 
 but his family and his expectations. I took this opportunity 
 of discovering what his feelings were likely to be when he was 
 made acquainted with the important secret which was in my 
 possession. I put a case somewhat similar, and asked him 
 whether in such circumstances he would wave his right for a 
 time, to save the honour of his family. 
 
 ' No, by G d ! ' replied he, ' I never would. What ! give 
 up even for a day my right conceal my true rank for the 
 sake of relatives ? never nothing would induce me.' 
 
 117 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I was satisfied, and then casually asked him if he had 
 written to Lord Windermear to inform him of his arrival. 
 
 ' No,' replied he ; ( I shall write to-morrow.' He soon 
 after retired to his own apartment, and I rang for Timothy. 
 
 * Good heavens, sir ! ' cried Timothy, ' what is all this and 
 what are you about ? I am frightened out of my wits. Why, 
 sir, our money will not last two months.' 
 
 ' I do not expect it will last much longer, Tim ; but it 
 cannot be helped. Into society I must get and to do so, 
 must pay for it.' 
 
 ' But, sir, putting the expense aside, what are we to do 
 about this Mr. Estcourt ? All must be found out.' 
 
 ' I intend that it shall be found out, Tim,' replied I ; ' but 
 not yet. He will write to his uncle to-morrow ; you must 
 obtain the letter, for it must not go. I must first have time to 
 establish myself, and then Lord Windermear may find out his 
 error as soon as he pleases.' 
 
 'Upon my honour, Japhet, you appear to be afraid of nothing.' 
 
 ' I fear nothing, Tim, when I am following up the object of 
 my wishes. I will allow no obstacles to stand in my way, in 
 my search after my father.' 
 
 ' Really, you seem to be quite mad on that point, Japhet.' 
 
 ' Perhaps I may be, Tim,' replied I, thoughtfully. ' At all 
 events, let us go to bed now, and I will tell you to-morrow 
 morning, all the events of this day.' 
 
 Mr. Estcourt wrote his letter, which Tim very officiously 
 offered to put into the post, instead of which we put it between 
 the bars of the grate. 
 
 I must now pass over about three weeks, during which I 
 became very intimate with the major and Mr. Harcourt, and 
 was introduced by them to the clubs, and almost every person 
 of fashion. The idea of my wealth, and my very handsome 
 person and figure, insured me a warm reception, and I soon 
 became one of the stars of the day. During this time, I also 
 gained the entire confidence of Mr. Estcourt, who put letter 
 after letter into the hands of Timothy, who of course put them 
 into the usual place. I pacified him as long as I could, by 
 expressing my opinion, that his lordship was on a visit to 
 some friends in the neighbourhood of his seat ; but at last, he 
 would remain in town no longer. You may go now, thought 
 I, I feel quite safe. 
 
 118 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 It was about five days after his departure, as I was saunter- 
 ing arm and arm with the major, who generally dined with 
 me about five days in the week, that I perceived the carriage 
 of Lord Windermear, with his lordship in it. He saw us, and 
 pulling his check-string, alighted, and coming up to us, with 
 the colour mounting to his forehead with emotion, returned the 
 salute of the major and me. 
 
 ' Major,' said he, ' you will excuse me, but I am anxious to 
 have some conversation with Mr. Newland : perhaps, 3 con- 
 tinued his lordship, addressing me, ' you will do me the favour 
 to take a seat in my carriage ? ' 
 
 Fully prepared, I lost none of my self-possession, but, 
 thanking his lordship, I bowed to him, and stepped in. His 
 lordship followed, and, saying to the footman, ' Home drive 
 fast,' fell back in the carriage, and never uttered one word 
 until we had arrived, and had entered the dining-parlour. He 
 then took a few steps up and down, before he said, ' Mr. 
 Newland, or whatever your name may be, I perceive that you 
 consider the possession of an important secret to be your safe- 
 guard. To state my opinion of your conduct is needless ; 
 who you are, and what you are, I know not ; but,' continued 
 he, no longer controlling his anger, ' you certainly can have no 
 pretensions to the character of a gentleman.' 
 
 ' Perhaps your lordship,' replied I, calmly, ' will inform me 
 upon what you may ground your inference.' 
 
 ' Did you not, in the first place, open a letter addressed to 
 another ? ' 
 
 ' My lord, I opened a letter brought to me with the initials 
 of my name, and at the time I opened it I fully believed that 
 it was intended for me.' 
 
 ' We will grant that, sir ; but after you had opened it you 
 must have known that it was for some other person.' 
 
 ' I will not deny that, my lord.' 
 
 ' Notwithstanding which, you apply to my lawyer, repre- 
 senting yourself as another person, to obtain sealed papers.' 
 
 * I did, my lord ; but allow me to say, that I never should 
 have done so, had I not been warned by a dream.' 
 
 ' By a dream ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, my lord. I had determined not to go for them, when 
 in a dream I was ordered so to do.' 
 
 ' Paltry excuse ! and then you break private seals.' 
 119 
 
'.r controlling his anger. ' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Nay, my lord, although I did go for the papers, I could 
 not, even with the idea of supernatural interposition, make up 
 my mind to break the seals. If your lordship will recollect, it 
 was you who broke the seals, and insisted upon my reading 
 the papers.' 
 
 * Yes, sir, under your false name.' 
 
 'It is the name by which I go at present, although I 
 acknowledge it is false ; but that is not my fault I have no 
 other at present.' 
 
 ' It is very true, sir, that in all I have now mentioned, the 
 law will not reach you ; but recollect, that by assuming another 
 person's name ' 
 
 1 1 never did, my lord,' interrupted I. 
 
 ' Well, I may say, by inducing me to believe that you were 
 my nephew, you have obtained money under false pretences ; 
 and for that I now have you in my power.' 
 
 * My lord, I never asked you for the money ; you yourself 
 paid it into the banker's hands to my credit, and to my own 
 name. I appeal to you now, whether, if you so deceived your- 
 self, the law can reach me ? ' 
 
 1 Mr. Newland, I will say, that much as I regret what has 
 passed, I regret more than all the rest, that one so young, so 
 prepossessing, so candid in appearance, should prove such an 
 adept in deceit. Thinking you were my nephew, my heart 
 warmed towards you ; and I must confess, that since I have 
 seen my real nephew, the mortification has been very great.' 
 
 ' My lord, I thank you ; but allow me to observe, that I 
 am no swindler. Your thousand pounds you will find safe in 
 the bank, for penury would not have induced me to touch it. 
 But now that your lordship appears more cool, will you do me 
 the favour to listen to me ? When you have heard my life up 
 to the present, and my motives for what I have done, you will 
 then decide how far I am to blame.' 
 
 His lordship took a chair, and motioned to me to take 
 another. I narrated what had occurred when I was left at the 
 Foundling, and gave him a succinct account of my adventures 
 subsequently my determination to find my father the dream 
 which induced me to go for the papers and all that the reader 
 has already been acquainted with. His lordship evidently 
 perceived the monomania which controlled me, and heard me 
 with great attention. 
 
 121 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * You certainly, Mr. Newland, do not stand so low in my 
 opinion as you did before this explanation, and I must make 
 allowances for the excitement under which I perceive you to 
 labour on one subject ; but now, sir, allow me to put one 
 question, and I beg that you will answer candidly. What 
 price do you demand for your secrecy on this important sub- 
 ject?' 
 
 * My lord ! ' replied I, rising with dignity ; ' this is the 
 greatest affront you have put upon me yet ; still I will name 
 the price by which I will solemnly bind myself, by all my 
 future hopes of finding my father in this world, and of finding 
 an eternal Father in the next, and that price, my lord, is a 
 return of your good opinion.' 
 
 His lordship also rose, and walked up and down the room 
 with much agitation in his manner. 4 What am I to make of 
 you, Mr. Newland ? ' 
 
 ' My lord, if I were a swindler, I should have taken your 
 money ; if I had wished to avail myself of the secret, I might 
 have escaped with all the documents, and made my own terms. 
 I am, my lord, nothing more than an abandoned child, trying 
 all he can to find his father.' My feelings overpowered me, 
 and I burst into tears. As soon as I could recover myself, I 
 addressed his lordship, who had been watching me in silence, 
 and not without emotion. ' I have one thing more to say to 
 you, my lord.' I then mentioned the conversation between 
 Mr. Estcourt and myself, and pointed out the propriety of not 
 making him a party to the important secret. 
 
 His lordship allowed me to proceed without interruption, 
 and after a few moments' thought said, ' I believe that you are 
 right, Mr. Newland ; and I now begin to think that it was 
 better that this secret should have been intrusted to you than 
 to him. You have now conferred an obligation on me, and 
 may command me. I believe you to be honest, but a little 
 mad, and I beg your pardon for the pain which I have occa- 
 sioned you.' 
 
 * My lord, I am more than satisfied.' 
 
 ' Can I be of any assistance to you, Mr. Newland ? ' 
 
 ' If, my lord, you could at all assist me, or direct me in my 
 
 search : 
 
 ' There I am afraid I can be of little use ; but I will give 
 
 you the means of prosecuting your search, and in so doing, I 
 
 122 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 am doing but an act of justice, for in introducing you to Major 
 Carbonnell, I am aware that I must have very much increased 
 your expenses. It was an error which must be repaired, and 
 therefore, Mr. Newland, I beg you will consider the money at 
 the bank as yours, and make use of it to enable you to obtain 
 your ardent wish.' 
 
 1 My lord 
 
 ' I will not be denied, Mr. Newland ; and if you feel any 
 delicacy on the subject, you may take it as a loan, to be repaid 
 when you find it convenient. Do not, for a moment, consider 
 that it is given to you because you possess an important secret, 
 for I will trust entirely to your honour on that score.' 
 
 4 Indeed, my lord,' replied I, * your kindness overwhelms 
 me, and I feel as if, in you, I had already almost found a 
 father. Excuse me, my lord, but did your lordship ever 
 ever ' 
 
 ' I know what you would say, my poor fellow : no, I never 
 did. I never was blessed with children. Had I been, I should 
 not have felt that I was disgraced by having one resembling 
 you. Allow me to entreat you, Mr. Newland, that you do not 
 suffer the mystery of your birth to weigh so heavily on your 
 mind ; and now I wish you good morning, and if you think I 
 can be useful to you, I beg that you will not fail to let me 
 know.' 
 
 * May Heaven pour down blessings on your head,' replied I, 
 kissing respectfully his lordship's hand ; ' and may my father, 
 when I find him, be as like unto you as possible.' I made my 
 obeisance, and quitted the house. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 The major prevents the landlord from imposing on me, but I gain nothing 
 by his interference For economical reasons I agree to live with him 
 that he may live on me. 
 
 I RETURNED to the hotel, for my mind had been much agitated, 
 and I wished for quiet, and the friendship of Timothy. As 
 soon as I arrived I told him all that had passed. 
 
 * Indeed,' replied Timothy, ' things do now wear a pleasant 
 aspect ; for I am afraid, that without that thousand, we could 
 
 123 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 not have carried on for a fortnight longer. The bill here is 
 very heavy, and I'm sure the landlord wishes to see the colour 
 of his money.' 
 
 ' How much do you think we have left ? It is high time, 
 Timothy, that we now make up our accounts, and arrange 
 some plans for the future,' replied I. ' I have paid the jeweller 
 and the tailor, by the advice of the major, who says, that you 
 should always pay your first bills as soon as possible, and all 
 your subsequent bills as late as possible ; and if put off sine die, 
 so much the better. In fact, I owe very little now, but the 
 bill here I will send for it to-night.' 
 
 Here we were interrupted by the entrance of the landlord. 
 ' Oh, Mr. Wallace, you are the very person I wished to see ; let 
 me have my bill, if you please.' 
 
 * It's not of the least consequence, sir,' replied he ; * but if 
 you wish it, I have posted down to yesterday,' and the land- 
 lord left the room. 
 
 ' You were both of one mind, at all events,' said Timothy, 
 laughing ; ' for he had the bill in his hand, and concealed it 
 the moment you asked for it.' 
 
 In about ten minutes the landlord reappeared, and present- 
 ing the bill upon a salver, made his bow and retired. I looked 
 it over : it amounted to 1 04 ; which, for little more than three 
 weeks, was pretty well. Timothy shrugged up his shoulders, 
 while I ran over the items. ' I do not see that there is any- 
 thing to complain of, Tim,' observed I, when I came to the 
 bottom of it ; ' but I do see that living here, with the major 
 keeping me an open house, will never do. Let us see how 
 much money we have left.' 
 
 Tim brought the dressing-case in which our cash was 
 deposited, and we found, that after paying the waiters, and a 
 few small bills not yet liquidated, our whole stock was reduced 
 to fifty shillings. 
 
 * Merciful Heaven ! what an escape,' cried Timothy ; ' if it 
 had not been for this new supply, what should we have done ? ' 
 
 ' Very badly, Timothy ; but the money is well spent, after 
 all. I have now entrance into the first circles. I can do with- 
 out Major Carbonnell ; at all events, I shall quit this hotel, and 
 take furnished apartments, and live at the clubs. I know how 
 to put him off.' 
 
 I laid the money on the salver, and desired Timothy to ring 
 124 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 for the landlord, when who should come up but the major and 
 Harcourt. * Why, Newland ! what are you going to do with 
 that money ? ' said the major. 
 
 ' I am paying my bill, major.' 
 
 1 Paying your bill, indeed ; let us see 104. Oh, this is a 
 confounded imposition. You mustn't pay this.' At this 
 moment the landlord entered. * Mr. Wallace,' said the major, 
 ' my friend Mr. Newland was about, as you may see, to pay 
 you the whole of your demand ; but allow me to observe, that 
 being my very particular friend, and the Piazza having been 
 particularly recommended by me, I do think that your charges 
 are somewhat exorbitant. I shall certainly advise Mr. 
 Newland to leave the house to-morrow, if you are not more 
 reasonable.' 
 
 ' Allow me to observe, major, that my reason for sending 
 for my bill, was to pay it before I went into the country, which 
 I must do to-morrow, for a few days.' 
 
 4 Then I shall certainly recommend Mr. Newland not to 
 come here when he returns, Mr. Wallace ; for I hold myself, 
 to a certain degree, after the many dinners we have ordered 
 here, and of which I have partaken, as I may say, particeps 
 criminiS) or in other words, as having been a party to this 
 extortion. Indeed, Mr. Wallace, some reduction must be 
 made, or you will greatly hurt the credit of your house.' 
 
 Mr. Wallace declared, that really he had made nothing 
 but the usual charges, that he would look over the bill again, 
 and see what he could do. 
 
 * My dear Newland,' said the major, ' I have ordered your 
 dinners, allow me to settle your bill. Now, Mr. Wallace, 
 suppose we take off one-third ? ' 
 
 ' One-^m/, Major Carbonnell ! I should be a loser.' 
 
 * I am not exactly of your opinion ; but let me see now 
 take your choice. Take off ^20, or you lose my patronage, 
 and that of all my friends. Yes or no ? ' 
 
 The landlord, with some expostulation, at last consented, 
 he receipted the bill, and leaving ^20 of the money on the 
 salver, made his bow, and retired. 
 
 ' Rather fortunate that I slipped in, my dear Newland ; 
 now there are 20 saved. By the bye, I'm short of cash. 
 You've no objection to let me have this ? I shall never pay 
 you, you know.' 
 
 125 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * I do know you never will pay me, major ; nevertheless, 
 as I should have paid it to the landlord had you not interfered, 
 I will lend it to you.' 
 
 < You are a good fellow Newland,' said the major, pocketing 
 the money. ' If I had borrowed it, and you had thought you 
 would have had it repaid, I should not have thanked you ; 
 but as you lend it me with your eyes open, it is nothing more 
 than a very delicate manner of obliging me, and I tell you 
 candidly, that I will not forget it. So you really are off 
 to-morrow ? ' 
 
 * Yes,' replied I, I must go ; for I find that I am not to 
 make ducks and drakes of my money, until I come into posses- 
 sion of my property.' 
 
 ' I see, my dear fellow. Executors are the very devil ; 
 they have no feeling. Never mind ; there's a way of getting 
 to windward of them. I dine with Harcourt, and he has come 
 to ask you to join us.' 
 
 ' With pleasure.' 
 
 ' I shall expect you at seven, Newland,' said Harcourt, as 
 he quitted the room with the major. 
 
 ' Dear me, sir, how could you let that gentleman walk off 
 with your money ? ' cried Timothy. ' I was just rubbing my 
 hands with the idea that we were 20 better off than we 
 thought, and away it went like smoke.' 
 
 { And will never come back again, Tim ; but never mind 
 that, it is important that I make a friend of him, and his 
 friendship is only to be bought. I shall have value received. 
 And now, Tim, we must pack up, for I leave this to-morrow 
 morning. I shall go down to , and see little Fleta.' 
 
 I dined with Harcourt. The major was rather curious to 
 know what it was which appeared to flurry Lord Windermear, 
 and what had passed between us. I told him that his lordship 
 was displeased on money matters, but that all was right, only 
 that I must be more careful for the future. ' Indeed, major, 
 I think I shall take lodgings. I shall be more comfortable, 
 and better able to receive my friends.' 
 
 Harcourt agreed with me, that it was a much better plan, 
 when the major observed, 'Why, Newland, I have a room 
 quite at your service ; suppose you come and live with me ? ' 
 
 ' I am afraid I shall not save by that,' replied I, laughing, 
 ' for you will not pay your share of the bills.' 
 
 126 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * No, upon my honour I will not ; so I give you fair warning ; 
 but as I always dine with you when I do not dine elsewhere, 
 it will be a saving to you for you will save your lodgings, 
 Newland ; and you know the house is my own, and I let off the 
 rest of it ; so as far as that bill is concerned, you will be safe.' 
 
 ' Make the best bargain you can, Newland,' said Harcourt : 
 4 accept his offer ; for, depend upon it, it will be a saving in 
 the end.' 
 
 c It certainly deserves consideration,' replied I ; ' and the 
 major's company must be allowed to have its due weight in 
 the scale ; if Carbonnell will promise to be a little more 
 economical ' 
 
 ' I will, my dear fellow I will act as your steward, and 
 make your money last as long as I can, for my own sake, as 
 well as yours. Is it a bargain ? I have plenty of room for 
 your servant, and if he will assist me a little, I will discharge 
 my own.' I then consented to the arrangement. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 The major teaches me how to play whist so as never to lose, which is by 
 playing against each other, and into each other's hands. 
 
 THE next day I went to the banker's, drew out ^150, and set 
 
 off with Timothy for . Fleta threw herself into my 
 
 arms, and sobbed with joy. When I told her Timothy was 
 outside, and wished to see her, she asked why he did not 
 come in ; and, to show how much she had been accustomed 
 to see, without making remarks, when he made his appearance 
 in his livery, she did not, by her countenance, express the 
 least surprise, nor, indeed, did she put any questions to me on 
 the subject. The lady who kept the school praised her very 
 much for docility and attention, and shortly after left the 
 room. Fleta then took the chain from around her neck into 
 her hand, and told me that she did recollect something about 
 it, which was, that the lady whom she remembered, wore a 
 long pair of earrings, of the same make and materials. She 
 could not, however, call to mind anything else. I remained 
 with the little girl for three hours, and then returned to 
 
 127 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 London taking my luggage from the hotel, and installed 
 myself into the apartments of Major Carbonnell. 
 
 ' Her mistress praised her docility and application' 
 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 The major adhered to his promise ; we certainly lived well, 
 for he could not live otherwise ; but in every other point he 
 
 128 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was very careful not to add to expense. The season was now 
 over, and everybody of consequence quitted the metropolis. 
 To remain in town would be to lose caste, and we had a 
 conference where we should proceed. 
 
 * Newland,' said the major, ' you have created a sensation 
 this season, which has done great honour to my patronage ; 
 but I trust, next spring, that I shall see you form a good 
 alliance ; for, believe me, out of the many heartless beings we 
 have mingled with, there are still not only daughters, but 
 mothers, who are not influenced by base and sordid views.' 
 
 1 Why, Carbonnell, I never heard you venture upon so long 
 a moral speech before.' 
 
 * True, Newland, and it may be a long while before I do so 
 again : the world is my oyster, which I must open, that I may 
 live ; but recollect, I am only trying to recover my own, which 
 the world has swindled me out of. There was a time when 
 I was even more disinterested, more confiding, and more 
 innocent than you were when I first took you in hand. I 
 suffered, and was ruined by my good qualities ; and I now 
 live and do well by having discarded them. We must fight 
 the world with its own weapons ; but still, as I said before, 
 there is some good in it, some pure ore amongst the dross ; 
 and it is possible to find high rank and large fortune, and at 
 the same time an innocent mind. If you do marry, I will try 
 hard but you shall possess both ; not that fortune can be of 
 much consequence to you.' 
 
 1 Depend upon it, Carbonnell, I never will marry without 
 fortune.' 
 
 * I did not know that I had schooled you so well : be it so 
 it is but fair that you should expect it ; and it shall be an 
 item in the match, if I have anything to do with it.' 
 
 ' But why are you so anxious that I should marry, Car- 
 bonnell?' 
 
 1 Because I think you will, in all probability, avoid the 
 gaming-table, which I should have taken you to myself had 
 you been in possession of your fortune when I first knew you, 
 and have had my share of your plucking ; but now I do know 
 you, I have that affection for you that I think it better you 
 should not lose your all ; for observe, Newland, my share of 
 your spoliation would not be more than what I have, and may 
 still receive, from you ; and if you marry and settle down, 
 K 129 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 there will always be a good house and a good table for me, as 
 long as I find favour with your wife ; and, at all events, a 
 friend in need, that I feel convinced of. So now you have 
 my reasons ; some smack of the disinterestedness of former 
 days, others of my present worldliness ; you may believe which 
 you please.' And the major laughed as he finished his speech. 
 
 ' Carbonnell,' replied I, ' I will believe that the better 
 feelings predominate that the world has made you what you 
 are ; and that had you not been ruined by the world, you 
 would have been disinterested and generous ; even now, your 
 real nature often gains the ascendency, and I am sure that in 
 all that you have done, which is not defensible, your poverty, 
 and not your will, has consented. Now, blunted by habit and 
 time, the suggestions of conscience do not often give you any 
 uneasiness.' 
 
 ' You are very right, my dear fellow,' replied the major ; 
 'and in having a better opinion of me than the world in 
 general, you do me, I trust, no more than justice. I will not 
 squander your fortune, when you come to it, if I can help it ; 
 and you'll allow that's a very handsome promise on my part.' 
 
 ' I'll defy you to squander my fortune,' replied I, laughing. 
 
 ' Nay, don't defy me, Newland, for if you do, you'll put me 
 on my mettle. Above all, don't lay me a bet, for that will be 
 still more dangerous. We have only spent about four hundred 
 of the thousand since we have lived together, which I consider 
 highly economical. What do you say, shall we go to Chelten- 
 ham ? You will find plenty of Irish girls, looking out for 
 husbands, who will give you a warm reception.' 
 
 ' I hate your fortune and establishment hunters,' replied I. 
 
 ' I grant that they are looking out for a good match, so are 
 all the world ; but let me do them justice. Although, if you 
 proposed, in three days they would accept you ; yet once 
 married, they make the very best wives in the world. But 
 recollect we must go somewhere ; and I think Cheltenham is 
 as good a place as any other. I do not mean for a wife, but 
 it will suit my own views.' 
 
 This last observation decided me, and in a few days we 
 were at Cheltenham ; and having made our appearance at the 
 rooms, were soon in the vortex of society. ' Newland,' said 
 Carbonnell, ' I dare say you find time hang rather heavy in 
 this monotonous place.' 
 
 130 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Not at all,' replied I ; * what with dining out, dancing, 
 and promenading, I do very well.' 
 
 * But we must do better. Tell me, are you a good hand at 
 whist ? ' 
 
 ' Not by any means. Indeed, I hardly know the game.' 
 'It is a fashionable and necessary accomplishment. I 
 
 must make you master of it, and our mornings shall be 
 
 dedicated to the work.' 
 
 * Agreed,' replied I ; and from that day, every morning 
 after breakfast till four o'clock, the major and I were shut 
 up, playing two dummies under his instruction. Adept as 
 he was, I very soon learnt all the finesse and beauty of the 
 game. 
 
 ' You will do now, Newland,' said the major one morning, 
 tossing the cards away. ' Recollect, if you are asked to play, 
 and I have agreed, do not refuse ; but we must always play 
 against each other.' 
 
 ' I don't see what we shall gain by that,' replied I ; ' for if 
 I win, you'll lose.' 
 
 ' Never do you mind that ; only follow my injunctions, and 
 play as high as they choose. We only stay here three weeks 
 longer, and must make the most of our time.' 
 
 I confess I was quite puzzled at what might be the major's 
 intentions ; but that night we sauntered into the club. Not 
 having made our appearance before, we were considered as 
 new hands by those who did not know the major, and were 
 immediately requested to make up a game. * Upon my word, 
 gentlemen, in the first place, I play very badly,' replied the 
 major ; ' and in the next,' continued he, laughing, ' if I lose, I 
 never shall pay you, for I'm cleaned out.' 
 
 The way in which the major said this only excited a smile ; 
 he was not believed, and I was also requested to take a hand. 
 ' I'll not play with the major,' observed I, 'for he plays badly, 
 and has bad luck into the bargain ; I might as well lay my 
 money down on the table.' 
 
 This was agreed to by the other parties, and we sat down. 
 The first rubber of short whist was won by the major and his 
 partner : with the bets it amounted to eighteen pounds. I 
 pulled out my purse to pay the major ; but he refused, saying, 
 ' No, Newland, pay my partner ; and with you, sir,' said he, 
 addressing my partner, * I will allow the debt to remain until 
 
'' If I lose, I shall never pay you.' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 we rise from the table. Newland, we are not going to let you 
 off yet, I can tell you.' 
 
 I paid my eighteen pounds, and we recommenced. Although 
 his partner did not perhaps observe it, for he was but an 
 indifferent player, or if he did observe it, had the politeness 
 not to say anything, the major now played very badly. He 
 lost three rubbers one after another, and, with bets and stakes, 
 they amounted to one hundred and forty pounds. At the end 
 of the last rubber he threw up the cards, exclaiming against 
 his luck, and declaring that he would play no more. * How 
 are we now, sir ? ' said he to my partner. 
 
 ' I owed you, I think, eighteen pounds. 3 
 
 ' Eighteen from one hundred and forty, leaves one hundred 
 and twenty-two pounds, which I now owe you. You must, 
 I'm afraid, allow me to be your debtor,' continued the major, 
 in a most insinuating manner. ' I did not come here with the 
 intention of playing. I presume I shall find you here to- 
 morrow night.' 
 
 The gentleman bowed, and appeared quite satisfied. 
 Major Carbonnell's partner paid me one hundred and forty 
 pounds, which I put in my pocket-book, and we quitted the 
 club. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 We fund our winnings, and consider to refund, a work of supererogation 
 In looking after my father, I obey the old adage, ' Follow your 
 
 As soon as we were in the street, I commenced an inquiry as 
 to the major's motives. ' Not one word, my dear fellow, until 
 we are at home,' replied he. As soon as we arrived, he threw 
 himself in a chair, and crossing his legs, commenced : ( You 
 observe, Newland, that I am very careful that you should do 
 nothing to injure your character. As for my own, all the 
 honesty in the world will not redeem it ; nothing but a peerage 
 will ever set me right again in this world, and a coronet will 
 cover a multitude of sins. I have thought it my duty to add 
 something to our finances, and intend to add very considerably 
 
 133 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to them before we leave Cheltenham. You have won one 
 hundred and twenty-eight pounds.' 
 
 'Yes,' replied I ; 'but you have lost it.' 
 
 1 Granted ; but, as in most cases, I never mean to pay my 
 losses, you see that it must be a winning speculation as long 
 as we play against each other.' 
 
 ' I perceive,' replied I ; ' but am not I a confederate ? ' 
 
 ' No ; you paid when you lost, and took your money when 
 you won. Leave me to settle my own debts of honour.' 
 
 ' But you will meet him again to-morrow night.' 
 
 ' Yes, and I will tell you why. I never thought it possible 
 that we could have met two such bad players at the club. 
 We must now play against them, and we must win in the 
 long-run : by which means I shall pay off the debt I owe him, 
 and you will win and pocket money.' 
 
 ' Ah,' replied I, ' if you mean to allow him a chance for his 
 money, I have no objection that will be all fair.' 
 
 ' Depend upon it, Newland, when I know that people play 
 as badly as they do, I will not refuse them ; but when we sit 
 down with others, it must be as it was before we must play 
 against each other, and I shall owe the money. I told the 
 fellow that I never would pay him.' 
 
 ' Yes ; but he thought you were only joking.' 
 
 'That is his fault I was in earnest. I could not have 
 managed this had it not been that you are known to be a 
 young man of ten thousand pounds per annum, and supposed 
 to be my dupe. I tell you so candidly ; and now good-night.' 
 
 I turned the affair over in my mind as I undressed it was 
 not honest but I paid when I lost, and I only took the 
 money when I won, still I did not like it ; but the bank 
 notes caught my eye as they lay on the table, and I was 
 satisfied. Alas ! how easy are scruples removed when we 
 want money ! How many are there who, when in a state of 
 prosperity and affluence, when not tried by temptation, would 
 have blushed at the bare idea of a dishonest action, have 
 raised and held up their hands in abhorrence, when they have 
 heard that others have been found guilty ; and yet, when in 
 adversity, have themselves committed the very acts which 
 before they so loudly condemned ! How many of the other 
 sex, who have expressed their indignation and contempt at 
 those who have fallen, when tempted, have fallen themselves ! 
 
 134 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Let us therefore be charitable ; none of us can tell to what we 
 may be reduced by circumstances ; and when we acknowledge 
 that the error is great, let us feel sorrow and pity rather than 
 indignation, and pray that we also may not be ' led into 
 temptation! 
 
 As agreed upon, the next evening we repaired to the club, 
 and found the two gentlemen ready to receive us. This time 
 the major refused to play unless it was with me, as I had 
 such good fortune, and no difficulty was made by our 
 opponents. We sat down and played till four o'clock in the 
 morning. At first, notwithstanding our good play, fortune 
 favoured our adversaries ; but the luck soon changed, and the 
 result of the evening was, that the major had a balance in his 
 favour of forty pounds, and I rose a winner of one hundred and 
 seventy-one pounds, so that in two nights we had won three 
 hundred and forty-two pounds. For nearly three weeks this 
 continued, the major not paying when not convenient, and we 
 quitted Cheltenham with about eight hundred pounds in our 
 pockets ; the major having paid about one hundred and twenty 
 pounds to different people who frequented the club ; but they 
 were Irishmen, who were not to be trifled with. I proposed 
 to the major that we should pay those debts, as there still 
 would be a large surplus : he replied, ' Give me the money.' 
 I did so. * Now, 3 continued he, ' so far your scruples are 
 removed, as you will have been strictly honest ; but, my dear 
 fellow, if you knew how many debts of this sort are due to me, 
 of which I never did touch one farthing, you would feel as I do 
 that it is excessively foolish to part with money. I have them 
 
 all booked here, and may some day pay when convenient ; 
 
 but at present, most decidedly, it is not so.' The major put 
 the notes into his pocket, and the conversation was dropped. 
 
 The next morning we had ordered our horses, when 
 Timothy came up to me, and made a sign, as we were at 
 breakfast, for me to come out. I followed him. 
 
 ' Oh ! sir, I could not help telling you, but there is a 
 gentleman with ' 
 
 With what ? ' replied I, hastily. 
 
 'With your nose, sir, exactly and in other respects very 
 like you just about the age your father should be.' 
 
 ' Where is he, Timothy ? ' replied I, all my feelings in 
 ' search of my father ' rushing into my mind. 
 
 135 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Down below, sir, about to set off in a post-chaise and four, 
 now waiting at the door.' 
 
 I ran down with my breakfast napkin in my hand, and 
 hastened to the portico of the hotel he was in his carriage, 
 and the porter was then shutting the door. I looked at him. 
 He was, as Timothy said, very like me, indeed, the nose exact. 
 I was breathless, and I continued to gaze. 
 
 1 All right,' cried the ostler. 
 
 ' I beg your pardon, sir, ' said I, addressing the gentle- 
 man in the carriage, who perceiving a napkin in my hand, 
 probably took me for one of the waiters, for he replied very 
 abruptly, * I have remembered you ' ; and pulling up the glass, 
 away whirled the chariot, the nave of the hind wheel striking 
 me a blow on the thigh which numbed it so, that it was with 
 difficulty I could limp up to our apartments, when I threw 
 myself on the sofa in a state of madness and despair. 
 
 ' Good heavens, Newland, what is the matter ? ' cried the 
 major. 
 
 ' Matter,' replied I, faintly. ' I have seen my father.' 
 
 * Your father, Newland ? you must be mad. He was dead 
 before you could recollect him at least so you told me. 
 How then, even if it were his ghost, could you have recognised 
 him?' 
 
 The major's remarks reminded me of the imprudence I 
 had been guilty of. 
 
 * Major,' replied I, ' I believe I am very absurd ; but he 
 was so like me, and I have so often longed after my father, so 
 
 long wished to see him face to face that I'm a great fool, 
 
 that's the fact.' 
 
 ' You must go to the next world, my good fellow, to meet 
 him face to face, that's clear ; and I presume, upon a little 
 consideration, you will feel inclined to postpone your journey. 
 Very often in your sleep I have heard you talk about your 
 father, and wondered why you should think so much about him.' 
 
 ' I cannot help it,' replied I. ' From my earliest days my 
 father has ever been in my thoughts.' 
 
 * I can only say, that very few sons are half so dutiful to 
 their fathers' memories but finish your breakfast, and then 
 we start for London.' 
 
 I complied with his request as well as I could, and we 
 were soon on our road. I fell into a reverie my object was 
 
 136 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to again find out this person, and I quietly directed Timothy 
 to ascertain from the post-boys the directions he gave at the 
 last stage. The major perceiving me not inclined to talk, 
 made but few observations ; one, however, struck me. 
 ' Windmear,' said he, * I recollect one day, when I was prais- 
 ing you, said carelessly, " that you were a fine young man, but 
 a little tete montee upon one point." I see now it must have 
 been upon this.' I made no reply ; but it certainly was a 
 strange circumstance that the major never had any suspicions 
 on this point yet he certainly never had. We had once or 
 twice talked over my affairs. I had led him to suppose that 
 my father and mother died in my infancy, and that I should 
 have had a large fortune when I came of age ; but this had 
 been entirely by indirect replies, not by positive assertions ; 
 the fact was, that the major, who was an adept in all deceit, 
 never had an idea that he could have been deceived by one so 
 young, so prepossessing, and apparently so ingenuous as 
 myself. He had, in fact, deceived himself. His ideas of my 
 fortune arose entirely from my asking him whether he would 
 have refused the name of Japhet for ten thousand pounds per 
 annum. Lord Windermear, after having introduced me, did 
 not consider it at all necessary to acquaint the major with my 
 real history, as it was imparted to him in confidence. He 
 allowed matters to take their course, and me to work my own 
 way in the world. Thus do the most cunning overreach 
 themselves, and with their eyes open to any deceit on the 
 part of others, prove quite blind when they deceive themselves. 
 Timothy could not obtain any intelligence from the people 
 of the inn at the last stage, except that the chariot had pro- 
 ceeded to London. We arrived late at night, and, much 
 exhausted, I was glad to go to bed. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 In following my nose, I narrowly escaped being nosed by a beak. 
 
 AND as I lay in my bed, thinking that I was now nearly 
 twenty years old, and had not yet made any discovery, my 
 heart sank within me. My monomania returned with re- 
 
 137 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 doubled force, and I resolved to renew my search with vigour. 
 So I told Timothy the next morning, when he came into my 
 room, but from him I received little consolation ; he advised 
 me to look out for a good match in a rich wife, and leave time 
 to develop the mystery of my birth ; pointing out the little 
 chance I ever had of success. 
 
 Town was not full, the season had hardly commenced, and 
 we had few invitations or visits to distract my thoughts from 
 their object. My leg became so painful, that for a week I 
 was on the sofa, Timothy every day going out to ascertain if 
 he could find the person whom we had seen resembling me, 
 and every evening returning without success. I became 
 melancholy and nervous. Carbonnell could not imagine what 
 was the matter with me. At last I was able to walk, and I 
 sallied forth, perambulating, or rather running through street 
 after street, looking into every carriage, so as to occasion 
 surprise to the occupants, who believed me mad ; my dress 
 and person were disordered, for I had become indifferent 
 to it, and Timothy himself believed that I was going out of 
 my senses. 
 
 At last, after we had been in town about five weeks, I saw 
 the very object of my search, seated in a carriage, of a dark 
 brown colour, arms painted in shades, so as not to be dis- 
 tinguishable but at a near approach ; his hat was off, and he 
 sat upright and formally. ' That is he ! ' ejaculated I, and 
 away I ran after the carriage. ' It is the nose,' cried I, as I 
 ran down the street, knocking every one to the right and left. 
 I lost my hat, but fearful of losing sight of the carriage, I 
 hastened on, when I heard a cry of ' Stop him, stop him ! ' 
 ' Stop him,' cried I, also, referring to the gentleman in black 
 in the carriage. 
 
 ' That won't do,' cried a man, seizing me by the collar ; 
 * I know a trick worth two of that.' 
 
 ' Let me go,' roared I, struggling ; but he only held me 
 the faster. I tussled with the man until my coat and shirt 
 were torn, but in vain ; the crowd now assembled, and I was 
 fast. The fact was, that a pickpocket had been exercising 
 his vocation at the time that I was running past, and from my 
 haste, and loss of my hat, I was supposed to be the criminal. 
 The police took charge of me I pleaded innocence in vain, 
 and I was dragged before the magistrate at Marlborough 
 
 138 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Street. My appearance, the disorder of my dress, my coat 
 and shirt in ribands, with no hat, were certainly not at all in 
 my favour, when I made my appearance, led in by two Bow 
 Street officers. 
 
 ' Whom have we here ? ' inquired the magistrate. 
 
 * A pickpocket, sir,' replied they. 
 
 ' Ah ! one of the swell mob,' replied he. ' Are there any 
 witnesses ? ' 
 
 { Let me go" roared /.' 
 Copyright 1894 by MacmUlan & Co. 
 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied a young man, coming forward. ' I was 
 walking up Bond Street, when I felt a tug at my pocket, and 
 when I turned round, this chap was running away.' 
 
 ' Can you swear to his person ? ' 
 
 There were plenty to swear that I was the person who ran 
 away. 
 
 ' Now, sir, have you anything to offer in your defence ? ' 
 said the magistrate. 
 
 139 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied I ; ' I certainly was running down the 
 street ; and it may be, for all I know or care, that this 
 person's pocket may have been picked but I did not pick it. 
 I am a gentleman.' 
 
 'All your fraternity lay claim to gentility,' replied the 
 magistrate ; ' perhaps you will state why you were running 
 down the street. 3 
 
 1 1 was running after a carriage, sir, that I might speak to 
 the person inside of it. 3 
 
 * Pray who was the person inside ? 3 
 ' I do not know, sir.' 
 
 ' Why should you run after a person you do not know ? ' 
 
 ' It was because of his nose. 9 
 
 'His nose?' replied the magistrate angrily. 'Do you 
 think to trifle with me, sir ? You shall now follow your own 
 nose to prison. Make out his committal.' 
 
 ' As you please, sir,' replied I ; ' but still I have told you 
 the truth ; if you will allow any one to take a note, I will soon 
 prove my respectability. I ask it in common justice.' 
 
 * Be it so, 3 replied the magistrate ; ' let him sit down 
 within the bar till the answer comes. 3 
 
 In less than an hour, my note to Major Carbonnell was 
 answered by his appearance in person, followed by Timothy. 
 Carbonnell walked up to the magistrate, while Timothy asked 
 the officers in an angry tone, what they had been doing to 
 his master. This rather startled them, but both they and the 
 magistrate were much surprised when the major asserted 
 that I was his most particular friend, Mr. Newland, who 
 possessed ten thousand pounds per annum, and who was as 
 well known in fashionable society as any young man of fortune 
 about town. The magistrate explained what had passed, and 
 asked the major if I was not a little deranged ; but the major, 
 who perceived what was the cause of my strange behaviour, 
 told him that somebody had insulted me, and that I was very 
 anxious to lay hold of the person who had avoided me, and 
 who must have been in that carriage. 
 
 ' I am afraid, that after your explanation, Major Carbonnell, 
 I must, as a magistrate, bind over your friend, Mr. Newland, 
 to keep the peace. 3 
 
 To this I consented, the major and Timothy being taken 
 as recognisances, and then I was permitted to depart. The 
 
 140 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 major sent for a hackney coach ; and when we were going 
 home he pointed out to me the folly of my conduct, and 
 received my promise to be more careful for the future. Thus 
 did this affair end, and for a short time I was more careful in 
 my appearance, and not so very anxious to look into carriages ; 
 still, however, the idea haunted me, and I was often very 
 melancholy. It was about a month afterwards, that I was 
 sauntering with the major, who now considered me to be 
 insane upon that point, and who would seldom allow me to go 
 out without him, when I again perceived the same carriage, 
 with the gentleman inside as before. 
 
 ' There he is, major,' cried I. 
 
 * There is who ? ' replied he. 
 
 ' The man so like my father. 3 
 
 'What, in that carriage ? that is the Bishop of E , my 
 
 good fellow. What a strange idea you have in your head, 
 Newland ; it almost amounts to madness. Do not be staring 
 in that way come along.' 
 
 Still my head was turned quite round, looking at the 
 carriage after it had passed, till it was out of sight ; but I 
 knew who the party was, and for the time I was satisfied, as 
 I determined to find out his address, and call upon him. I 
 narrated to Timothy what had occurred, and referring to the 
 Red Book, I looked out the bishop's town address ; and the 
 next day, after breakfast, having arranged my toilet with the 
 utmost precision, I made an excuse to the major, and set off 
 to Portland Place. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 A chapter of mistakes No benefit of clergy I attack a bishop, and am 
 beaten off The major hedges upon the filly stakes. 
 
 MY hand trembled as I knocked at the door. It was opened. 
 I sent in my card, requesting the honour of an audience with 
 his lordship. After waiting a few minutes in an ante-room, I 
 was ushered in. ' My lord,' said I, in a flurried manner, ' will 
 you allow me to have a few minutes' conversation with you 
 alone ? ' 
 
 141 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'This gentleman is my secretary, sir, but if you wish it, 
 certainly ; for although he is my confidant, I have no right to 
 insist that he shall be yours. Mr. Temple, will you oblige 
 me by going upstairs for a little while ? ' 
 
 The secretary quitted the room, the bishop pointed to a 
 chair, and I sat down. I looked him earnestly in the face 
 the nose was exact, and I imagined that even in the other 
 features 1 could distinguish a resemblance. I was satisfied 
 that I had at last gained the object of my search. ' I believe, 
 sir,' observed I, ' that you will acknowledge, that in the heat 
 and impetuosity of youth, we often rush into hasty and 
 improvident connections.' 
 
 I paused, with my eyes fixed upon his. 'Very true, my 
 young sir ; and when we do we are ashamed, and repent of 
 them afterwards,' replied the bishop, rather astonished. 
 
 ' I grant that, sir,' replied I ; 'but at the same time, we 
 must feel that we must abide by the results, however un- 
 pleasant.' 
 
 ' When we do wrong, Mr. Newland,' replied the bishop, 
 first looking at my card, and then upon me, ' we find that we 
 are not only to be punished in the next world, but suffer for it 
 also in this. I trust you have no reason for such suffering ? ' 
 
 ' Unfortunately, the sins of the fathers are visited upon the 
 children, and, in that view, I may say that I have suffered.' 
 
 ' My dear sir,' replied the bishop, ' I trust you will excuse 
 me, when I say, that my time is rather valuable ; if you have 
 anything of importance to communicate anything upon which 
 you would ask my advice for assistance you do not appear 
 to require, do me the favour to proceed at once to the 
 point.' 
 
 ' I will, sir, be as concise as the matter will admit of. Allow 
 me, then, to ask you a few questions, and I trust to your 
 honour, and the dignity of your profession, for a candid 
 answer. Did you not marry a young woman early in life ? 
 and were you not very much pressed in your circumstances ? ' 
 
 The bishop stared. ' Really, Mr. Newland, it is a strange 
 question, and I cannot imagine to what it may lead, but still I 
 will answer it. I did marry early in life, and I was, at that 
 time, not in very affluent circumstances.' 
 
 'You had a child by that marriage your eldest born 
 a boy ! ' 
 
 142 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' That is also true, Mr. Newland,' replied the bishop, 
 gravely. 
 
 ' How long is it since you have seen him ? 
 
 ' It is many years,' replied the bishop, putting his handker- 
 chief up to his eyes. 
 
 ' Answer me, now, sir did you not desert him ? ' 
 
 'No, no!' replied the bishop. 'It is strange that you 
 should appear to know so much about the matter, Mr. 
 Newland, as you could have hardly been born. I was poor 
 then very poor ; but although I could ill afford it, he had 
 fifty pounds from me.' 
 
 'But, sir,' replied I, much agitated; 'why have you not 
 reclaimed him ? ' 
 
 'I would have reclaimed him, Mr. Newland but what 
 could I do he was not to be reclaimed ; and now he is lost 
 for ever.' 
 
 ' Surely, sir, in your present affluence, you must wish to see 
 him again ? ' 
 
 ' He died, and I trust he has gone to heaven,' replied the 
 bishop, covering up his face. 
 
 ' No, sir,' replied I, throwing myself on my knees before 
 him, ' he did not die, here he is at your feet, to ask your 
 blessing.' 
 
 The bishop sprang from his chair. ' What does this mean, 
 sir ? ' said he, with astonishment. ' You my son ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, reverend father your son ; who, with fifty pounds 
 you left 
 
 ' On the top of the Portsmouth coach ! ' 
 
 ' No, sir, in the basket? 
 
 ' My son ! sir, impossible ; he died in the hospital.' 
 
 ' No, sir, he has come out of the hospital? replied I ; ' and, 
 as you perceive, safe and well.' 
 
 ' Either, sir, this must be some strange mistake, or you 
 must be trifling with me,' replied his lordship ; ' for, sir, I was 
 at his death-bed, and followed him to his grave.' 
 
 ' Are you sure of that, sir ? ' replied I, starting up with 
 amazement. 
 
 ' I wish that I was not, sir for I am now childless ; but 
 pray, sir, who, and what are you, who know so much of my 
 former life, and who would have thus imposed upon me ? ' 
 
 * Imposed upon you, sir ! ' replied I, perceiving that I was 
 
 143 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 in error. * Alas ! I would do no such thing. Who am I ? I 
 am a young man who is in search of his father. Your face, 
 and especially your nose, so resembled mine, that I made sure 
 that I had succeeded. Pity me, sir pity me, 3 continued I, 
 covering up my face with my hands. 
 
 The bishop, perceiving that there was little of the impostor 
 in my appearance, and that I was much affected, allowed a 
 short time for me to recover myself, and then entered into an 
 explanation. When a curate, he had had an only son, very 
 wild, who would go to sea in spite of his remonstrances. He 
 saw him depart by the Portsmouth coach, and gave him the 
 sum mentioned. His son received a mortal wound in action, 
 and was sent to the Plymouth hospital, where he died. I then 
 entered into my explanation in a few concise sentences, and 
 with a heart beating with disappointment, took my leave. 
 The bishop shook hands with me as I quitted the room, and 
 wished me better success at my next application. 
 
 I went home almost in despair. Timothy consoled me as 
 well as he could, and advised me to go as much as possible 
 into society, as the most likely chance of obtaining my wish, 
 not that he considered there was any chance, but he thought 
 that amusement would restore me to my usual spirits. ' I will 
 go and visit little Fleta,' replied I, * for a few days ; the sight 
 of her will do me more good than anything else.' And the 
 
 next day I set off for the town of , where I found the dear 
 
 little girl, much grown, and much improved. I remained with 
 her for a week, walking with her in the country, amusing her, 
 and amused myself with our conversation. At the close of 
 the week I bade her farewell, and returned to the major's 
 lodgings. 
 
 I was astonished to find him in deep mourning. ' My dear 
 Carbonnell,' said I, inquiringly, ' I hope no severe loss ?' 
 
 ' Nay, my dear Newland, I should be a hypocrite if I said 
 so ; for there never was a more merry mourner, and that's 
 
 the truth of it. Mr. M , who, you know, stood between 
 
 me and the peerage, has been drowned in the Rhone; I now 
 have a squeak for it. His wife has one daughter, and is 
 enceinte. Should the child prove a boy, I am done for, but 
 if a girl, I must then come in to the barony, and fifteen thou- 
 sand pounds per annum. However, I've hedged pretty hand- 
 somely. 5 
 
 144 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'How do you mean ? ' 
 
 ' Why they say that when a woman commences with girls, 
 she generally goes on, and the odds are two to one that Mrs. 
 
 M has a girl. I have taken the odds at the clubs to the 
 
 amount of fifteen thousand pounds ; so if it be a girl I shall 
 have to pay that out of my fifteen thousand pounds per annum, 
 as soon as I fall into it ; if it be a boy, and I am floored, I 
 shall pocket thirty thousand pounds by way of consolation for 
 the disappointment. They are all good men.' 
 
 ' Yes, but they know you never pay.' 
 
 ( They know I never do now, because I have no money ; 
 but they know I will pay if I come into the estate ; and so 
 I will, most honourably, besides a few more thousands that I 
 have in my book.' 
 
 ' I congratulate you, with all my heart, major. How old is 
 the present Lord B ? ' 
 
 ' I have just been examining the peerage he is sixty-two ; 
 but he is very fresh and hearty, and may live a long while yet. 
 By the bye, Newland, I committed a great error last night 
 at the club. I played pretty high, and lost a great deal of 
 money.' 
 
 1 That is unfortunate.' 
 
 1 That was not the error ; I actually paid all my losings, 
 Newland, and it has reduced the stock amazingly, I lost seven 
 hundred and fifty pounds. I know I ought not to have paid 
 away your money ; but the fact was, as I was hedging, it 
 would not do not to have paid, as I could not have made up 
 my book as I wished. It is, however, only waiting a few 
 
 weeks, till Mrs. M decides my fate, and then, either one 
 
 way or the other, I shall have money enough. If your people 
 won't give you any till you are of age, why we must send to 
 a little friend of mine, that's all, and you shall borrow for both 
 of us.' 
 
 ' Borrow ! ' replied I, not much liking the idea ; * they will 
 never lend me money.' 
 
 * Won't they ? ' replied the major ; ' no fear of that. Your 
 signature, and my introduction, will be quite sufficient.' 
 
 * We had better try to do without it, major ; I do not much 
 like it.' 
 
 ' Well, if we can, we will ; but I have not fifty pounds left 
 in my desk ; how much have you ? ' 
 
 L 145 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' About twenty,' replied I, in despair at this intelligence ; 
 ' but I think there is a small sum left at the banker's ; I will 
 go and see.' I took up my hat and set off, to ascertain what 
 funds we might have in store. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 I am over head and ears in trouble about a lady's earrings ; commit 
 myself sadly, and am very nearly committed. 
 
 I MUST say that I was much annoyed at this intelligence. 
 The money-lenders would not be satisfied unless they knew 
 where my estates were, and had examined the will at Doctors' 
 Commons ; then all would be exposed to the major, and I 
 should be considered by him as an impostor. I walked down 
 Pall Mall in a very unhappy mood, so deep in thought, that I 
 ran against a lady, who was stepping out of her carriage at a 
 fashionable shop. She turned round, and I was making my 
 best apologies to a very handsome woman, when her earrings 
 caught my attention. They were of alternate coral and gold, 
 and the facsimile in make to the chain given by Nattde to 
 Fleta. During my last visit, I had often had the chain in my 
 hand, and particularly marked the workmanship. To make 
 more sure, I followed into the shop, and stood behind her, 
 carefully examining them, as she looked over a quantity of 
 laces. There could be no doubt. I waited till the lady rose 
 to go away, and then addressed the shopman, asking the lady's 
 name. He did not know she was a stranger ; but perhaps 
 
 Mr. H , the master, did, and he went back to answer the 
 
 question. Mr. H being at that moment busy, the man 
 
 stayed so long, that I heard the carriage drive off. Fearful of 
 losing sight of the lady, I took to my heels, and ran out of the 
 shop. My sudden flight from the counter, covered with lace, 
 made them imagine that I had stolen some, and they cried out 
 ' Stop thief,' as loud as they could, springing over the counter, 
 and pursuing me as I pursued the carriage, which was driven 
 at a rapid pace. 
 
 A man perceiving me running, and others, without their 
 hats, following, with the cries of ' Stop thief,' put out his leg, 
 
 146 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 and I fell on the pavement, the blood rushing in torrents from 
 my nose. I was seized, roughly handled, and again handed 
 
 ' / stood behind her, carefully examining them.' 
 
 over to the police, who carried me before the same magistrate 
 in Marlborough Street. 
 
 ' What is this ? ' demanded the magistrate. 
 
 * A shop-lifter, your worship.' 
 
 147 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * I am not, sir,' replied I ; * you know me well enough, I 
 am Mr. Newland.' 
 
 1 Mr. Newland ! ' replied the magistrate, suspiciously ; ' this 
 is strange, a second time to appear before me upon such a 
 charge. 3 
 
 * And just as innocent as before, sir.' 
 
 1 You'll excuse me, sir, but I must have my suspicions this 
 time. Where is the evidence ? ' 
 
 The people of the shop then came forward, and stated what 
 had occurred. ' Let him be searched,' said the magistrate. 
 
 I was searched, but nothing was found upon me. ' Are 
 you satisfied now, sir ? ' inquired I. 
 
 1 By no means. Let the people go back and look over 
 their laces, and see if any are missing ; in the meantime I 
 shall detain you, for it is very easy to get rid of a small article, 
 such as lace, when you are caught.' 
 
 The men went away, and I wrote a note to Major Car- 
 bonnell, requesting his attendance. He arrived at the same 
 time as a shopman, and I told him what had happened. The 
 shopman declared that the stock was not correct ; as far as 
 they could judge, there were two pieces of lace missing. 
 
 * If so, I did not take them,' replied I. 
 
 'Upon my honour, Mr. B ,' said the major to the 
 
 magistrate, ' it is very hard for a gentleman to be treated in 
 this manner. This is the second time that I have been sent 
 for to vouch for his respectability.' 
 
 ' Very true, sir,' replied the magistrate ; ' but allow me to 
 ask Mr. Newland, as he calls himself, what induced him to 
 follow a lady into the shop ? ' 
 
 ' Her earrings,' replied I. 
 
 * Her earrings ! why, sir, the last time you were brought 
 before me, you said it was after a gentleman's nose now it 
 appears you were attracted by a lady's ears ; and pray, sir, 
 what induced you to run out of the shop ? ' 
 
 * Because I wanted particularly to inquire about her ear- 
 rings, sir.' 
 
 ' I cannot understand these paltry excuses ; there are, it 
 appears, two pieces of lace missing. I must remand you for 
 further examination, sir ; and you also, sir,' said the magistrate 
 to Major Carbonnell ; 'for if he is a swindler, you must be 
 an accomplice.' 
 
 148 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Sir,' replied Major Carbonnell, sneeringly, * you are cer- 
 tainly a very good judge of a gentleman, when you happen 
 by accident to be in his company. With your leave, I will 
 send a note to another confederate.' 
 
 The major then wrote a note to Lord Windermear, which 
 he despatched by Timothy, who, hearing I was in trouble, had 
 accompanied the major. And while he was away, the major 
 and I sat down, he giving himself all manner of airs, much 
 to the annoyance of the magistrate, who at last threatened to 
 commit him immediately. ' You'll repent this,' replied the 
 major, who perceived Lord Windermear coming in. 
 
 ' You shall repent it, sir, by God,' cried the magistrate, in 
 a great passion. 
 
 4 Put five shillings in the box for swearing, Mr. B . 
 
 You fine other people,' said the major. ' Here is my other 
 confederate, Lord Windermear.' 
 
 * Carbonnell,' said Lord Windermear, ' what is all this ? ' 
 
 * Nothing, my lord, except that our friend Newland is taken 
 up for shop-lifting, because he thought proper to run after a 
 pretty woman's carriage ; and I am accused by his worship 
 of being his confederate. I could forgive his suspicions of 
 Mr. Newland in that plight ; but as for his taking me for one 
 of the swell mob it proves a great deficiency of judgment ; 
 perhaps he will commit your lordship also, as he may not be 
 aware that your lordship's person is above caption.' 
 
 ' I can assure you, sir,' said Lord Windermear, proudly, 
 ' that this is my relative, Major Carbonnell, and the other is 
 my friend, Mr. Newland. I will bail them for any sum you 
 please.' 
 
 The magistrate felt astonished and annoyed, for, after all, 
 he had only done his duty. Before he could reply, a man 
 came from the shop to say that the laces had been found all 
 right. Lord Windermear then took me aside, and I narrated 
 what had happened. He recollected the story of Fleta in my 
 narrative of my life, and felt that I was right in trying to find 
 out who the lady was. The magistrate now apologised for the 
 detention, but explained to his lordship how I had before made 
 my appearance upon another charge, and with a low bow we 
 were dismissed. 
 
 ' My dear Mr. Newland,' said his lordship, { I trust that 
 this will be a warning to you, not to run after other people's 
 
 149 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 noses and earrings ; at the same time, I will certainly keep a 
 look out for those very earrings myself. Major, I wish you 
 a good morning.' 
 
 His lordship then shook us both by the hand, and saying 
 that he should be glad to see more of me than he latterly had 
 done, stepped into his carriage and drove off. 
 
 'What the devil did his lordship mean about earrings, 
 Newland ? ' inquired the major. 
 
 ' I told him that I was examining the lady's earrings as 
 very remarkable,' replied I. 
 
 'You appear to be able to deceive everybody but me, 
 my good fellow. I know that you were examining the lady 
 herself.' I left the major in his error, by making no reply. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 I borrow money upon my estate, and upon very favourable terms. 
 
 WHEN I came down to breakfast the next morning, the 
 major said, ' My dear Newland, I have taken the liberty of 
 requesting a very old friend of mine to come and meet you 
 this morning. I will not disguise from you that it is Emmanuel, 
 the money-lender. Money you must have until my affairs are 
 decided, one way or the other ; and, in this instance, I will 
 most faithfully repay the sum borrowed, as soon as I receive 
 the amount of my bets, or am certain of succeeding to the 
 title, which is one and the same thing.' 
 
 I bit my lips, for I was not a little annoyed ; but what could 
 be done ? I must have either confessed my real situation to 
 the major, or have appeared to raise scruples, which, as the 
 supposed heir to a large fortune, would have appeared to him 
 to be very frivolous. I thought it better to let the affair take 
 its chance. ' Well,' replied I, ' if it must be, it must be ; but 
 it shall be on my own terms.' 
 
 'Nay,' observed the major, 'there is no fear but that he 
 will consent, and without any trouble.' 
 
 After a moment's reflection I went upstairs and rang for 
 Timothy. ' Tim,' said I, ' hear me ; I now make you a solemn 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 promise, on my honour as a gentleman, that I will never 
 borrow money upon interest, and until you release me from 
 it, I shall adhere to my word.' 
 
 ' Very well, sir,' replied Timothy ; ' I guess your reason 
 for so doing, and I expect you will keep your word. Is that 
 all ? ' 
 
 1 Yes ; now you may take up the urn.' 
 
 We had finished our breakfast, when Timothy announced 
 Mr. Emmanuel, who followed him into the room. * Well, 
 Old Cent per Cent, how are you ? ' said the major. ' Allow 
 me to introduce my most particular friend, Mr. Newland.' 
 
 * Auh ! Master Major,' replied the descendant of Abraham, 
 a little puny creature, bent double with infirmity, and carrying 
 one hand behind his back, as if to counterbalance the projection 
 of his head and shoulders. 'You vash please to call me 
 Shent per Shent. I wish I vash able to make de monies pay 
 that. Mr. Newland, can I be of any little shervice to you ? ; 
 
 ' Sit down, sit down, Emmanuel. You have my warrant 
 for Mr. Newland's respectability, and the sooner we get over 
 the business the better.' 
 
 'Auh, Mr. Major, it ish true, you was recommend many 
 good no, not always good customers to me, and I was very 
 much obliged. Vat can I do for your handsome young friend ? 
 De young gentlemen always vant money ; and it is de youth 
 which is de time for de pleasure and enjoyment.' 
 
 ' He wants a thousand pounds, Emmanuel.' 
 
 ' Dat is a large sum one tousand pounds ! he does not 
 vant any more ? ' 
 
 No,' replied I, < that will be sufficient.' 
 
 'Vel, den, I have de monish in my pocket. I will just 
 beg de young gentleman to sign a little memorandum, dat I 
 may von day receive my monish.' 
 
 ' But what is that to be ?' interrupted I. 
 
 ' It will be to promise to pay me my monish and only 
 fifteen per shent, when you come into your own.' 
 
 ' That will not do,' replied I ; ' I have pledged my solemn 
 word of honour, that I will not borrow money on interest.' 
 
 ' And you have given de pledge, but you did not swear 
 upon de book ? ' 
 
 ' No, but my word has been given, and that is enough ; if 
 I would forfeit my word with those to whom I have given it, 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I would also forfeit my word with you. My keeping my 
 promise, ought to be a pledge to you that I will keep my 
 promise to you.' 
 
 ' Dat is veil said very veil said ; but den we must 
 manage some oder way. Suppose let me shee how old 
 are you, my young sir ? ' 
 
 ' Past twenty.' 
 
 'Auh, dat is a very pleasant age, dat twenty. Veil, den, 
 you shall shign a leetle bit of paper, that you pay me ^2000 
 ven you come into your properties, on condition dat I pay 
 now one tousand. Dat is very fair ish it not, Mr. Major ? ' 
 
 1 Rather too hard, Emmanuel.' 
 
 ' But de rishque de rishque, Mr. Major.' 
 
 ' I will not agree to those terms,' replied I ; ' you must 
 take your money away, Mr. Emmanuel.' 
 
 ' Veil, den vat vill you pay me ? ' 
 
 'I will sign an agreement to pay you ^1500 for the 
 thousand, if you please ; if that will not suit you, I will try 
 elsewhere." 
 
 ' Dat is very bad bargain. How old, you shay ? ' 
 
 1 Twenty.' 
 
 'Veil, I shuppose I must oblige you, and my very goot 
 friend, de major.' 
 
 Mr. Emmanuel drew out his spectacles, pen, and ink-horn, 
 filled up a bond, and handed it to me to sign. I read it 
 carefully over, and signed it ; he then paid down the money, 
 and took his leave. 
 
 It may appear strange to the reader that the money was 
 obtained so easily, but he must remember that the major was 
 considered a person who universally attached himself to young 
 men of large fortune ; he had already been the means of 
 throwing many profitable speculations into the hands of 
 Emmanuel, and the latter put implicit confidence in him. 
 The money-lenders also are always on the look-out for young 
 men with large fortunes, and have their names registered. 
 Emmanuel had long expected me to come to him ; and 
 although it was his intention to have examined more particu- 
 larly, and not to have had the money prepared, yet my refusal 
 to sign the bond, bearing interest, and my disputing the terms 
 of the second proposal, blinded him completely, and put him 
 off his usual guard. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Upon my word, Newland, you obtained better terms than 
 I could have expected from the old Hunks.' 
 
 ' Much better than I expected also, major,' replied I ; 'but 
 now, how much of the money would you like to have ? ' 
 
 ' My dear fellow, this is very handsome of you ; but, I 
 thank Heaven, I shall be soon able to repay it ; but what 
 pleases me, Newland, is your perfect confidence in one whom 
 the rest of the world would not trust with a shilling. I will 
 accept your offer as freely as it is made, and take ^500, just 
 to make a show for the few weeks that I am in suspense, 
 and then you will find, that, with all my faults, I am not 
 deficient in gratitude.' I divided the money with the major, 
 and he shortly afterwards went out. 
 
 'Well, sir,' said Timothy, entering, full of curiosity, 'what 
 have you done ? ' 
 
 * I have borrowed a thousand to pay fifteen hundred when 
 I come into my property.' 
 
 ' You are safe then. Excellent, and the Jew will be bit.' 
 ' No, Timothy, I intend to repay it as soon as I can.' 
 ' I should like to know when that will be.' 
 
 * So should I, Tim, for it must depend upon my finding 
 out my parentage.' Heigho, thought I, when shall I ever 
 find out who is my father ? 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 
 The major is very fortunate and very unfortunate He receives a large 
 sum in gold and one ounce of lead. 
 
 I DRESSED and went out, met Harcourt, dined with him, and 
 on my return the major had not come home. It was then 
 past midnight, and feeling little inclination to sleep, I remained 
 in the drawing-room, waiting for his arrival. About three 
 o'clock he came in, flushed in the face, and apparently in high 
 good humour. 
 
 * Newland,' said he, throwing his pocket-book on the 
 table, 'just open that, and then you will open your eyes.' 
 
 I obeyed him, and to my surprise took out a bundle of 
 
 153 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 bank-notes ; I counted up their value, and they amounted to 
 
 ;35- 
 
 ' You have been fortunate, indeed.' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied the major ; ' knowing that in a short time I 
 shall be certain of cash, one way or the other, I had resolved 
 to try my luck with the ^500. I went to the hazard table, 
 and threw in seventeen times hedged upon the deuce ace, 
 and threw out with it voila. They won't catch me there 
 again in a hurry luck like that only comes once in a man's 
 life ; but, Japhet, there is a little drawback to all this. I 
 shall require your kind attendance in two or three hours.' 
 
 ' Why, what's the matter ? ' 
 
 * Merely an affair of honour. I was insulted by a vagabond, 
 and we meet at six o'clock.' 
 
 'A vagabond but surely, Carbonnell, you will not con- 
 descend ' 
 
 ' My dear fellow, although as great a vagabond as there is 
 on the face of the earth, yet he is a peer of the realm, and his 
 title warrants the meeting but, after all, what is it ? ' 
 
 ' I trust it .will be nothing, Carbonnell, but still it may prove 
 otherwise.' 
 
 ' Granted ; and what then, my dear Newland ? we all owe 
 Heaven a death, and if I am floored, why then I shall no 
 longer be anxious about title or fortune.' 
 
 ' It's a bad way of settling a dispute,' replied I, gravely. 
 
 'There is no other, Newland. How would society be 
 held in check if it were not for duelling ? We should all be a 
 set of bears living in a bear-garden. I presume you have 
 never been out ? ' 
 
 'Never,' replied I, 'and had hoped that I never should 
 have.' 
 
 ' Then you must have better fortune, or better temper than 
 most others, if you pass through life without an affair of this 
 kind on your hands. I mean as principal, not as second. 
 But, my dear fellow, I must give you a little advice, relative 
 to your behaviour as a second ; for I'm very particular on 
 these occasions, and like that things should be done very 
 correctly. It will never do, my dear Newland, that you 
 appear on the ground with that melancholy face. I do not 
 mean that you should laugh, or even smile, that would be 
 equally out of character, but you should show yourself perfectly 
 
 154 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 calm and indifferent. In your behaviour towards the other 
 second, you must be most scrupulously polite, but, at the same 
 time, never give up a point of dispute, in which my interest 
 may be concerned. Even in your walk be slow, and move, 
 as much as the ground will allow you, as if you were in a 
 drawing-room. Never remain silent; offer even trivial 
 remarks, rather than appear distrait. There is one point of 
 great importance I refer to choosing the ground, in which, 
 perhaps, you will require my unperceived assistance. Any 
 decided line behind me would be very advantageous to my 
 adversary, such as the trunk of a tree, post, etc. ; even an 
 elevated light or dark ground behind me is unadvisable. 
 Choose, if you can, a broken light, as it affects the correctness 
 of the aim ; but as you will not probably be able to manage 
 this satisfactorily, I will assist you. When on the ground, 
 after having divided the sun fairly between us, I will walk 
 about unconcernedly, and when I perceive a judicious spot, I 
 will take a pinch of snuff and use my handkerchief, turning at 
 the same time in the direction in which I wish my adversary 
 to be placed. Take your cue from that, and with all suavity 
 of manner, insist as much as you can upon our being so placed. 
 That must be left to your own persuasive powers. I believe I 
 have now stated all that is necessary, and I must prepare my 
 instruments.' 
 
 The major then went into his own room, and I never felt 
 more nervous or more unhinged than after this conversation. 
 I had a melancholy foreboding but that I believe every one 
 has, when he, for the first time, has to assist at a mortal 
 rencontre. I was in a deep musing when he returned with 
 his pistols and all the necessary apparatus ; and when the 
 major pointed out to me, and made me once or twice practise 
 the setting of the hair triggers, which is the duty of the 
 second, an involuntary shudder came over me. 
 
 * Why, Newland, what is the matter with you ? I thought 
 that you had more nerve.' 
 
 * I probably should show more, Carbonnell, were I the 
 principal instead of the second, but I cannot bear the re- 
 flection that some accident should happen to you. You are 
 the only one with whom I have been on terms of friendship, 
 and the idea of losing you is very, very painful.' 
 
 ' Newland, you really quite unman me, and you may now 
 
 155 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 see a miracle,' continued Carbonnell, as he pressed his hand 
 to his eye, ' the moisture of a tear on the cheek of a London 
 roue, a man of the world, who has long lived for himself and 
 for this world only. It never would be credited if asserted. 
 Newland, there was a time when I was like yourself the 
 world took advantage of my ingenuousness and inexperience ; 
 my good feelings were the cause of my ruin, and then, by 
 degrees, I became as callous and as hardened as the world 
 itself. My dear fellow, I thought all affection, all sentiment, 
 dried up within me, but it is not the case. You have made 
 me feel that I have still a heart, and that I can love you. 
 But this is all romance, and not fitted for the present time. 
 It is now five o'clock, let us be on the ground early it will 
 give us an advantage.' 
 
 * I do not much like speaking to you on the subject, 
 Carbonnell ; but is there nothing that you might wish done in 
 case of accident ? ' 
 
 ' Nothing why yes. I may as well. Give me a sheet of 
 paper.' The major sat down and wrote for a few minutes. 
 ' Now, send Timothy and another here. Timothy, and you, 
 sir, see me sign this paper, and put my seal to it. I deliver 
 this as my act and deed. Put your names as witnesses.' 
 They complied with his request, and then the major desired 
 Timothy to call a hackney-coach. * Newland,' said the major, 
 putting the paper, folded up, in my pocket, along with the 
 bank notes, ' take care of this for me till we come back.' 
 
 ' The coach is at the door, sir,' said Timothy, looking at 
 me, as if to say, * What can all this be about ? ' 
 
 ' You may come with us and see,' said the major, observing 
 Tim's countenance, 'and put that case into the coach.' Tim, 
 who knew that it was the major's case of pistols, appeared 
 still more alarmed, and stood still without obeying the order. 
 ' Never mind, Tim, your master is not the one who is to use 
 them,' said the major, patting him on the shoulder. 
 
 Timothy, relieved by this intelligence, went downstairs 
 with the pistols ; we followed him. Tim mounted on the box, 
 and we drove to Chalk Farm. * Shall the coach wait ? ' 
 inquired Timothy. 
 
 ' Yes, by all means,' replied I, in a low voice. We arrived 
 at the usual ground, where disputes of this kind were generally 
 settled ; and the major took a survey of it with great composure. 
 
 156 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Now observe, Japhet,' said he, ' if you can contrive ; 
 
 but here they are. I will give you the notice agreed upon.' 
 The peer, whose title was Lord Tineholme, now came up with 
 his second, whom he introduced to me as Mr. Osborn. ' Mr. 
 Newland,' replied the major, saluting Mr. Osborn in return. 
 We both took off our hats, bowed, and then proceeded to our 
 duty. I must do my adversary's second the justice to say, 
 that his politeness was fully equal to mine. There was no 
 mention, on either side, of explanations and retractions the 
 insult was too gross, and the character of his lordship, as well 
 
 ' / requested Mr. Osborn to drop the handkerchief.' 
 
 as that of Major Carbonnell, was too well known. Twelve 
 paces were proposed by Mr. Osborn, and agreed to by me 
 the pistols of Mr. Carbonnell were gained by drawing lots 
 we had nothing more to do but to place our principals. The 
 major took out his snuff-box, took a pinch, and blew his nose, 
 turning towards a copse of beech trees. 
 
 ' With your permission, I will mark out the ground, Mr. 
 Osborn,' said I, walking up to the major, and intending to pace 
 twelve paces in the direction towards which he faced. 
 
 'Allow me to observe that I think a little more in this 
 direction would be more fair for both parties,' said Mr. Osborn, 
 
 157 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' It would so, my dear sir,' replied I ; { but, submitting to 
 your superior judgment, perhaps it may not have struck you 
 that my principal will have rather too much of the sun. I am 
 incapable of taking any advantage, but I should not do my 
 duty if I did not see every justice done to the major, who has 
 confided to me in this unpleasant affair. I put it to you, sir, 
 as a gentleman and man of honour, whether I am claiming 
 too much ? ' A little amicable altercation took place on this 
 point ; but finding that I would not yield, and at every reply I 
 was more and more polite and bland in my deportment, Mr. 
 Osborn gave up the point. I walked the twelve paces, and Mr. 
 Osborn placed his principal. I observed that Lord Tineholme 
 did not appear pleased ; he expostulated with him, but it was 
 then too late. The pistols had been already loaded the 
 choice was given to his lordship, and Major Carbonnell 
 received the other from my hand, which actually trembled, 
 while his was firm. I requested Mr. Osborn to drop the 
 handkerchief, as I could not make up my mind to give a 
 signal which might be fatal to the major. They fired Lord 
 Tineholme fell immediately the major remained on his feet 
 for a second or two, and then sank down on the ground. I 
 hastened up to him. ' Where are you hurt ? ' 
 
 The major put his hand to his hip ' I am hit hard, 
 Newland, but not so hard as he is. Run and see.' 
 
 I left the major, and went up to where Lord Tineholme 
 lay, his head raised on the knee of his second. 
 
 ' It is all over with him, Mr. Newland, the ball has passed 
 through his brain.' 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 The major pays the only debt of consequence he ever did pay, and I find 
 myself a man of property. 
 
 I HASTENED back to the major, to examine his wound, and, 
 with the assistance of Timothy, I stripped him sufficiently to 
 ascertain that the ball had entered his hip, and probing the 
 wound with my finger, it appeared that it had glanced off in 
 the direction of the intestines ; the suffusion of blood was very 
 trifling, which alarmed me still more. 
 
 158 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Could you bear removal, major, in the coach ? ' 
 
 ' I cannot tell, but we must try : the sooner I am home the 
 better, Japhet,' replied he, faintly. 
 
 With the assistance of Timothy, I put him into the 
 hackney-coach, and we drove off, after I had taken off my hat 
 and made my obeisance to Mr. Osborn, an effort of politeness 
 which I certainly should have neglected, had I not been 
 reminded of it by my principal. We set off, and the major 
 bore his journey very well, making no complaint ; but on our 
 arrival he fainted as we lifted him out. As soon as he was on 
 the bed, I despatched Timothy for a surgeon. On his arrival 
 he examined the wound, and shook his head. Taking me 
 into the next room, he declared his opinion, that the ball had 
 passed into the intestines, which were severed, and that there 
 was no hope. I sat down and covered up my face the tears 
 rolled down and trickled through my fingers it was the first 
 heavy blow I had yet received. Without kindred or con- 
 nections, I felt that I was about to lose one who was dear to 
 me. To another, not in my situation, it might have only 
 produced a temporary grief at the near loss of a friend ; but 
 to me, who was almost alone in the world, the loss was heavy 
 in the extreme. Whom had I to fly to for solace ? there 
 were Timothy and Fleta one who performed the duty of a 
 servant to me, and a child. I felt that they were not 
 sufficient, and my heart was chilled. 
 
 The surgeon had, in the meantime, returned to the major, 
 and dressed the wound. The major, who had recovered from 
 his weakness, asked him his candid opinion. ' We must hope 
 for the best, sir/ replied the surgeon. 
 
 ' That is to say, there is no hope,' replied the major ; * and 
 I feel that you are right. How long do you think that I may 
 live?' 
 
 * If the wound does not take a favourable turn, about forty- 
 eighty hours, sir,' replied the surgeon : ' but we must hope for 
 a more fortunate issue.' 
 
 ' In a death-bed case you medical men are like lawyers,' 
 replied the major, ' there is no getting a straightforward answer 
 from you. Where is Mr. Newland ? ' 
 
 'Here I am, Carbonnell,' said I, taking his hand. 
 
 * My dear fellow, I know it is all over with me, and you, 
 of course, know it as well as I do. Do not think that it is a 
 
 159 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 source of much regret to me to leave this rascally world 
 indeed it is not ; but I do feel sorry, very sorry, to leave you. 
 The doctor tells me I shall live forty -eight hours ; but I 
 have an idea that I shall not live so many minutes. I feel 
 my strength gradually failing me. Depend upon it, my dear 
 Newland, there is an internal hemorrhage. My dear fellow, 
 I shall not be able to speak soon. I have left you my executor 
 and sole heir. I wish there was more for you it will last 
 you, however, till you come of age. That was a lucky hit 
 last night, but a very unlucky one this morning. Bury me 
 like a gentleman.' 
 
 ' My dear Carbonnell,' said I, ' would you not like to see 
 somebody a clergyman ? ' 
 
 ' Newland, excuse me. I do not refuse it out of disrespect, 
 or because I do not believe in the tenets of Christianity ; but 
 I cannot believe that my repentance at this late hour can be 
 of any avail. If I have not been sorry for the life I have lived 
 if I have not had my moments of remorse if I have not 
 promised to amend, and intended to have so done, and I trust 
 I have what avails my repentance now? No, no, Japhet, 
 as I have sown so must I reap, and trust to the mercy of 
 Heaven. God only knows all our hearts ; and I would fain 
 believe that I may find more favour in the eyes of the Almighty, 
 
 than I have in this world from those who but we must not 
 
 judge. Give me to drink, Japhet I am sinking fast. God 
 bless you, my dear fellow.' 
 
 The major sank on his pillow, after he had moistened his 
 lips, and spoke no more. With his hand clasped in mine he 
 gradually sank, and in a quarter of an hour his eyes were fixed, 
 and all was over. He was right in his conjectures an artery 
 had been divided, and he had bled to death. The surgeon 
 came again just before he was dead, for I had sent for him. 
 1 It is better as it is,' said he to me. ' Had he not bled to 
 death, he would have suffered forty -eight hours of extreme 
 agony from the mortification which must have ensued.' He 
 closed the major's eyes and took his leave, and I hastened 
 into the drawing-room and sent for Timothy, with whom I sate 
 in a long conversation on this unfortunate occurrence, and my 
 future prospects. 
 
 My grief for the death of the major was sincere ; much 
 may indeed be ascribed to habit, from our long residence and 
 
 160 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 companionship ; but more to the knowledge that the major, 
 with all his faults, had redeeming qualities, and that the world 
 had driven him to become what he had been. I had the 
 further conviction, that he was attached to me, and, in my 
 situation, anything like affection was most precious. His 
 funeral was handsome, without being ostentatious, and I paid 
 every demand upon him which I knew to be just many, 
 indeed, that were not sent in, from a supposition that any 
 claim made would be useless. His debts were not much 
 
 ' With /n's hand clasped in mine he gradually san/,:' 
 
 above ^200, and these debts had never been expected to be 
 liquidated by those who had given him credit. The paper he 
 had written, and had been witnessed by Timothy and another, 
 was a short will, in which he left me his sole heir and executor. 
 The whole of his property consisted of his house in St. James's 
 Street, the contents of his pocket-book intrusted to my care, 
 and his personal effects, which, especially in bijouterie, were 
 valuable. The house was worth about ^4000, as he had told 
 me. In his pocket-book were notes to the amount of ^3500, 
 and his other effects might be valued at ^400. With all 
 M 161 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 his debts and funeral expenses liquidated, and with my own 
 money, I found myself in possession of about ^8000 a sum 
 which never could have been credited, for it was generally 
 supposed that he died worth less than nothing, having lived 
 for a long while upon a capital of a similar value. 
 
 * I cannot but say,' observed Timothy, ' but that this is 
 very fortunate. Had the major not persuaded you to borrow 
 money, he never would have won so large a sum. Had he 
 lived he would have squandered it away ; but just in the nick 
 of time he is killed, and makes you his heir. 3 
 
 1 There is truth in your observation, Timothy ; but now 
 you must go to Mr. Emmanuel, that I may pay him off. I 
 will repay the ^1000 lent me by Lord Windermear into his 
 banker's, and then I must execute one part of the poor major's 
 will. He left his diamond solitaire as a memento to his lord- 
 ship. Bring it to me, and I will call and present it.' 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 A chapter full of morality, which ends in a Jew refusing upwards of ^1000, 
 proving the millennium to be nearly at hand. 
 
 THIS conversation took place the day after the funeral, and, 
 attired in deep mourning, I called upon his lordship, and was 
 admitted. His lordship had sent his carriage to attend the 
 funeral, and was also in mourning when he received me. I 
 executed my commission, and after a long conversation with 
 his lordship, in which I confided to him the contents of the 
 will, and the amount of property of the deceased, I rose to 
 take my leave. 
 
 'Excuse me, Mr. Newland,' said he, 'but what do you 
 now propose to do ? I confess I feel a strong interest about 
 you, and had wished that you had come to me oftener without 
 an invitation. I perceive that you never will. Have you no 
 intention of following up any pursuit ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, my lord, I intend to search after my father ; and I 
 trust that, by husbanding my unexpected resources, I shall 
 now be able.' 
 
 162 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' You have the credit, in the fashionable world, of possessing 
 a large fortune.' 
 
 ' That is not my fault, my lord : it is through Major 
 Carbonnell's mistake that the world is deceived. Still I must 
 acknowledge myself so far participator, that I have never 
 contradicted the report.' 
 
 ' Meaning, I presume, by some good match, to reap the 
 advantage of the supposition.' 
 
 * Not so, my lord, I assure you. People may deceive 
 themselves, but I will not deceive them.' 
 
 1 Nor undeceive them, Mr. Newland ? ' 
 
 ' Undeceive them I will not ; nay, if I did make the 
 attempt, I should not be believed. They never would believe 
 it possible that I could have lived so long with your relative, 
 without having had a large supply of money. They might 
 believe that I had run through my money, but not that I never 
 had any.' 
 
 ' There is a knowledge of the world in that remark,' replied 
 his lordship ; * but I interrupted you, so proceed.' 
 
 * I mean to observe, my lord, and you, by your knowledge 
 of my previous history, can best judge how far I am warranted 
 in saying so, that I have as yet steered the middle course 
 between that which is dishonest and honest. If the world 
 deceives itself, you would say that, in strict honesty, I ought 
 to undeceive it. So I would, my lord, if it were not for my 
 peculiar situation ; but at the same time I never will, if possible, 
 be guilty of direct deceit ; that is to say, I would not take 
 advantage of my supposed wealth, to marry a young person 
 of large fortune. I would state myself a beggar, and gain her 
 affections as a beggar. A woman can have little confidence 
 in a man who deceives her before marriage.' 
 
 * Your secret will always be safe with me, Mr. Newland ; 
 you have a right to demand it. I am glad to hear the 
 sentiments which you have expressed ; they are not founded, 
 perhaps, upon the strictest code of morality ; but there are 
 many who profess more who do not act up to so much. Still, 
 I wish you would think in what way I may be able to serve 
 you, for your life at present is useless and unprofitable, and 
 may tend to warp still more, ideas which are not quite so 
 strict as they ought to be.' 
 
 ' My lord, I have but one object in allowing the world to 
 
 163 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 continue in their error relative to my means, which is, that it 
 procures for me an entrance into that society in wnich I have 
 a moral conviction that I shall find my father. I have but 
 one pursuit, one end to attain, which is, to succeed in that 
 search. I return you a thousand thanks for your kind ex- 
 pressions and good will ; but I cannot, at present, avail myself 
 of them. I beg your lordship's pardon, but did you ever 
 meet the lady with the earrings ? ' 
 
 Lord Windermear smiled. ' Really, Mr. Newland, you 
 are a very strange person ; not content with finding out your 
 own parents, you must also be searching after other people's ; 
 not that I do not commend your conduct in this instance ; but 
 I'm afraid, in running after shadows, you are too indifferent 
 to the substance.' 
 
 1 Ah, my lord ! it is very well for you to argue who have had 
 a father and mother, and never felt the want of them ; but if 
 you knew how my heart yearns after my parents, you would 
 not be surprised at my perseverance.' 
 
 * I am surprised at nothing in this world, Mr. Newland ; 
 every one pursues happiness in his own way ; your happiness 
 appears to be centred in one feeling, and you are only acting 
 as the world does in general ; but recollect that the search 
 after happiness ends in disappointment.' 
 
 * I grant it but too often does, my lord ; but there is 
 pleasure in the chase,' replied I. 
 
 ' Well, go, and may you prosper. All I can say is this, 
 Mr. Newland ; do not have that false pride not to apply to 
 me when you need assistance. Recollect, it is much better 
 to be under an obligation, if such you will consider it, than to 
 do that which is wrong ; and that it is a very false pride 
 which would blush to accept a favour, and yet not blush to do 
 what it ought to be ashamed of. Promise me, Mr. Newland, 
 that upon any reverse or exigence, you will apply to me.' 
 
 ' I candidly acknowledge to your lordship, that I would 
 rather be under an obligation to any one but you ; and I trust 
 you will clearly appreciate my feelings. I have taken the 
 liberty of refunding the one thousand pounds you were so kind 
 as to place at my disposal as a loan. At the same time I 
 will promise, that if at any time I should require your assist- 
 ance, I will again request leave to become your debtor.' I 
 rose again to depart. 
 
 164 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Farewell, Newland ; when I thought you had behaved ill, 
 and I offered to better you, you only demanded my good 
 opinion ; you have it, and have it so firmly, that it will not 
 easily be shaken.' His lordship then shook hands with me, 
 and I took my leave. 
 
 On my return I found Emmanuel, the money-lender, who 
 had accompanied Timothy, fancying that I was in want of 
 more assistance, and but too willing to give it. His surprise 
 was very great when I told him that I wished to repay the 
 money I had borrowed. 
 
 1 Veil, dis is very strange ! I have lent my monish a 
 tousand times, and never once they did offer it me back. 
 Veil, I will take it, sar.' 
 
 * But how much must I give you, Mr. Emmanuel, for the 
 ten days' loan ? ' 
 
 ' How moch vy you remember, you vill give de bond 
 money de fifteen hundred.' 
 
 ' What ! five hundred pounds interest for ten days, Mr. 
 Emmanuel ; no, no, that's rather too bad. I will, if you 
 please, pay you back eleven hundred pounds, and that I think 
 is very handsome.' 
 
 * I don't want my monish, my good sar. I lend you one 
 tousand pounds, on de condition that you pay me fifteen 
 hundred when you come into your properties, which will be 
 in very short time. You send for me, and tell me you vish to 
 pay back de monish directly ; I never refuse monish if you 
 wish to pay, I will take, but I will not take von farding less 
 dan de monish on de bond.' 
 
 * Very well, Mr. Emmanuel, just as you please ; I offer you 
 your money back, in presence of my servant, and one hundred 
 pounds for the loan of it for ten days. Refuse it if you choose, 
 but I earnestly recommend you to take it.' 
 
 ' I will not have de monish, sar ; dis is de child's play,' 
 replied the Jew. ' I must have my fifteen hundred all in 
 goot time, sar I am in no hurry I vish you a very good 
 morning, Mr. Newland. Ven you vish for more monish to 
 borrow, I shall be happy to pay my respects.' So saying, 
 the Jew walked out of the room, with his arm behind his back 
 as usual. 
 
 165 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII 
 
 I decide upon honesty as the best policy, and what is more strange, 
 receive legal advice upon this important point. 
 
 TIMOTHY and I burst into laughter. 'Really, Timothy,' 
 observed I, 'it appears that very little art is necessary to 
 deceive the world, for in every instance they will deceive 
 themselves. The Jew is off my conscience, at all events, and 
 now he never will be paid, until ' 
 
 ' Until when, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' Until I find out my father,' replied I. 
 
 'Everything is put off till that time arrives, I observe,' 
 said Timothy. * Other people will soon be as interested in 
 the search as yourself.' 
 
 ' I wish they were ; unfortunately it is a secret, which 
 cannot be divulged.' 
 
 A ring at the bell called Timothy downstairs ; he returned 
 with a letter; it was from Lord Windermear, and ran as 
 follows : 
 
 ' MY DEAR NEWLAND I have been thinking about you 
 ever since you left me this morning, and as you appear re- 
 solved to prosecute your search, it has occurred to me that 
 you should go about it in a more systematic way. I do not 
 mean to say that what I now propose will prove of any 
 advantage to you, but still it may, as you will have a very old 
 and very clever head to advise with. I refer to Mr. Master- 
 ton, my legal adviser, from whom you had the papers which 
 led to our first acquaintance. He is aware that you were (I 
 beg your pardon) an impostor, as he has since seen Mr. 
 Estcourt. The letter enclosed is for him, and with that in 
 your hand you may face him boldly, and I have no doubt but 
 that he will assist you all in his power, and put you to no 
 expense. Narrate your whole history to him, and then you 
 will hear what he may propose. He has many secrets, much 
 more important than yours. Wishing you every success that 
 your perseverance deserves, Believe me, 
 
 ' Yours very truly, 
 
 ' WINDERMEAR.' 
 166 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * I believe the advice to be good/ said I, after reading the 
 letter. ' I am myself at fault, and hardly know how to pro- 
 ceed. I think I will go at once to the old gentleman, Timothy.' 
 
 ' It can do no harm, if it does no good. Two heads are 
 better than one,' replied Timothy. ' Some secrets are too 
 well kept, and deserting a child is one of those which is 
 confided but to few.' 
 
 1 By the bye, Timothy, here have I been, more than so many 
 years out of the Foundling Hospital, and have never yet 
 inquired if any one has ever been to reclaim me.' 
 
 ' Very true ; and I think I'll step myself to the workhouse, 
 at St. Bridget's, and ask whether any one has asked about 
 me,' replied Timothy, with a grin. 
 
 'There is another thing that I have neglected,' observed 
 I, 'which is, to inquire at the address in Coleman Street, if 
 there is any letter from Melchior.' 
 
 ' I have often thought of him,' replied Timothy. ' I wonder 
 who he can be there is another mystery there. I wonder 
 whether we shall ever fall in with him again and Nattee too ? ' 
 
 'There's no saying, Timothy. I wonder where that poor 
 fool, Philotas, and our friend Jumbo, are now ? ' 
 
 The remembrance of the two last personages made us 
 both burst out a laughing. 
 
 * Timothy, I've been reflecting that my intimacy with poor 
 Carbonnell has rather hindered than assisted me in my search. 
 He found me with a good appearance, and he has moulded 
 me into a gentleman, so far as manners and appearance are 
 concerned ; but the constant vortex in which I have been 
 whirled in his company has prevented me from doing anything. 
 His melancholy death has perhaps been fortunate for me. It 
 has left me more independent in circumstances, and more free. 
 I must now really set to in earnest.' 
 
 ' I beg your pardon, Japhet, but did not you say the same 
 when we first set off on our travels, and yet remain more than 
 a year with the gipsies ? Did not you make the same resolu- 
 tion when we arrived in town, with our pockets full of money, 
 and yet, once into fashionable society, think but little, and 
 occasionally, of it ? Now you make the same resolution, and 
 how long will you keep it ? ' 
 
 * Nay, Timothy, that remark is hardly fair ; you know that 
 the subject is ever in my thoughts.' 
 
 167 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' In your thoughts, I grant, very frequently ; but you have 
 still been led away from the search.' 
 
 ' I grant it, but I presume that arises from not knowing 
 how to proceed. I have a skein to unravel, and cannot find 
 out an end to commence with.' 
 
 ' I always thought people commenced with the beginning/ 
 replied Tim, laughing. 
 
 ' At all events, I will now try back, and face the old lawyer. 
 Do you call at Coleman Street, Tim, and at St. Bridget's also, 
 if you please.' 
 
 ' As for St. Bridget's, I'm in no particular hurry about my 
 mother ; if I stumble upon her I may pick her up, but I never 
 make diligent search after what, in every probability, will not 
 be worth the finding.' 
 
 Leaving Timothy to go his way, I walked to the house at 
 Lincoln's Inn, which I had before entered upon the memorable 
 occasion of the papers of Estcourt. As before, I rang the 
 bell, the door swang open, and I was once more in the 
 presence of Mr. Masterton. 
 
 ' I have a letter, sir,' said I, bowing, and presenting the 
 letter from Lord Windermear. 
 
 The old gentleman peered at me through his spectacles. 
 ' Why ! we have met before bless me why, you're the rogue 
 that 
 
 'You are perfectly right, sir,' interrupted I. 'I am the 
 rogue who presented the letter from Lord Windermear, and 
 who presents you with another from the same person ; do me 
 the favour to read it, while I take a chair.' 
 
 ' Upon my soul you impudent handsome dog, I must 
 say great pity come for money, I suppose. Well, it's a 
 sad world,' muttered the lawyer as he broke open the letter of 
 Lord Windermear. 
 
 I made no reply, but watched his countenance, which 
 changed to that of an expression of surprise. 'Had his 
 lordship sent me a request to have you hanged, if possible,' 
 said Mr. Masterton, ' I should have felt no surprise ; but in 
 this letter he praises you, and desires me to render you all the 
 service in my power. I can't understand it.' 
 
 ' No, sir ; but if you have leisure to listen to me, you will 
 then find that, in this world, we may be deceived by 
 appearances.' 
 
 168 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Well, and so I was, when I first saw you ; I never could 
 have believed you to be but never mind.' 
 
 * Perhaps, sir, in an hour or two you will again alter your 
 opinion. Are you at leisure, or will you make an appointment 
 for some future day ? ' 
 
 'Mr. Newland, I am not at leisure I never was more 
 busy ; and if you had come on any legal business, I should 
 have put you off for three or four days, at least ; but my 
 curiosity is so raised, that I am determined that I will indulge 
 it at the expense of my interest. I will turn the key, and then 
 you will oblige me by unravelling what, at present, is to me 
 as curious as it is wholly incomprehensible.' 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV 
 
 I attempt to profit by intelligence I receive, and throw a lady 
 into hysterics. 
 
 IN about three hours I had narrated the history of my life, up 
 to the very day, almost as much detailed as it has been to the 
 reader. 'And now, Mr. Masterton,' said I, as I wound up 
 my narrative, ' do you think that I deserve the title of rogue, 
 which you applied to me when I came in ? ' 
 
 ' Upon my word, Mr. Newland, I hardly know what to 
 say ; but I like to tell the truth. To say that you have been 
 quite honest, would not be correct a rogue, to a certain 
 degree, you have been, but you have been the rogue of 
 circumstances. I can only say this, that there are greater rogues 
 than you, whose characters are unblemished in the world that 
 most people in your peculiar situation would have been much 
 greater rogues ; and, lastly, that rogue or not rogue, I have 
 great pleasure in taking you by the hand, and will do all I 
 possibly can to serve you and that for your own sake. Your 
 search after your parents I consider almost tantamount to 
 a wild-goose chase ; but still, as your happiness depends upon 
 it, I suppose it must be carried on ; but you must allow me 
 time for reflection. I will consider what may be the most 
 judicious method of proceeding. Can you dine tete-a-tete with 
 me here on Friday, and we then will talk over the matter ? ' 
 
 169 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * On Friday, sir ; I am afraid that I am engaged to Lady 
 Maelstrom ; but that is of no consequence I will write an 
 excuse to her ladyship.' 
 
 * Lady Maelstrom ! how very odd that you should bring up 
 her name after our conversation.' 
 
 * Why so, my dear sir ? ' 
 
 * Why ! ' replied Mr. Masterton, chuckling ; because 
 recollect, it is a secret, Mr. Newland I remember some 
 twenty years ago, when she was a girl of eighteen, before she 
 married, she had a little faux pas, and I was called in about 
 a settlement, for the maintenance of the child.' 
 
 ' Is it possible, sir ?' replied I, anxiously. 
 
 ' Yes, she was violently attached to a young officer, without 
 money, but of good family ; some say it was a private marriage, 
 others, that he was a rascal. It was all hushed up ; but he 
 was obliged by the friends, before he left for the West Indies, 
 to sign a deed of maintenance, and I was the party called in. 
 I never heard any more about it. The officer's name was 
 Warrender : he died of the yellow fever, I believe, and after 
 his death she married Lord Maelstrom.' 
 
 ' He is dead, then ? ' replied I, mournfully. 
 
 * Well, that cannot affect you, my good fellow. On Friday, 
 then, at six o'clock precisely. Good afternoon, Mr. Newland.' 
 
 I shook hands with the old gentleman, and returned home, 
 but my brain whirled with the fear of a confirmation of that 
 which Mr. Masterton had so carelessly conveyed. Anything 
 like a possibility, immediately was swelled to a certainty in 
 my imagination, so ardent and heated on the one subject ; 
 and as soon as I regained my room, I threw myself on the 
 sofa, and fell into a deep reverie. I tried to approximate the 
 features of Lady Maelstrom to mine, but all the ingenuity in 
 the world could not effect that ; but still, I might be like my 
 father but my father was dead, and that threw a chill over 
 the whole glowing picture which I had, as usual, conjured up ; 
 besides, it was asserted that I was born in wedlock, and there 
 was a doubt relative to the marriage of her ladyship. 
 
 After a long cogitation I jumped up, seized my hat, and set 
 off for Grosvenor Square, determining to ask a private inter- 
 view with her ladyship, and at once end my harassing doubts 
 and surmises. I think there could not be a greater proof of 
 my madness than my venturing to attack a lady of forty upon 
 
 170 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the irregularities of her youth, and to question her upon a 
 subject which had been confided but to two or three, and she 
 imagined had been long forgotten : but this never struck me ; 
 
 1 1 'was ushered into the drawing-room.' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 all considerations were levelled in my ardent pursuit. I 
 walked through the streets at a rapid pace, the crowd passed 
 by me as shadows, I neither saw nor distinguished them ; I 
 
 171 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was deep in reverie as to the best way of breaking the subject 
 to her ladyship, for, notwithstanding my monomania, I 
 perceived it to be a point of great delicacy. After having 
 overturned about twenty people in my mad career, I arrived 
 at the door and knocked. My heart beat almost as hard 
 against my ribs with excitement. 
 
 ' Is her ladyship at home ? ' 
 
 1 Yes, sir.' 
 
 I was ushered into the drawing-room, and found her sitting 
 with two of her nieces, the Misses Fairfax. 
 
 ' Mr. Newland, you have been quite a stranger,' said her 
 ladyship, as I walked up to her and made my obeisance. ' I 
 did intend to scold you well ; but I suppose that sad affair 
 of poor Major Carbonnell's has been a heavy blow to you 
 you were so intimate lived together, I believe, did you not ? 
 However, you have not so much cause to regret, for he was 
 not a very proper companion for young men like you : to 
 tell you the truth, I consider it as a fortunate circumstance 
 that he was removed, for he would, by degrees, have led you 
 into all manner of mischief, and have persuaded you to 
 squander your fortune. I did at one time think of giving 
 you a hint, but it was a delicate point. Now that he is 
 gone, I tell you very candidly that you have had an escape. 
 A young man like you, Mr. Newland, who could command 
 an alliance into the highest, yes, the very highest families 
 and let me tell you, Mr. Newland, that there is nothing like 
 connection money is of no consequence to you, but con- 
 nection, Mr. Newland, is what you should look for connection 
 with some high family, and then you will do well. I should 
 like to see you settled well settled, I mean, Mr. Newland. 
 Now that you are rid of the major, who has ruined many 
 young men in his time, I trust you will seriously think of 
 settling down into a married man. Cecilia, my dear, show 
 your tambour work to Mr. Newland, and ask him his opinion. 
 Is it not beautiful, Mr. Newland ? ' 
 
 * Extremely beautiful, indeed, ma'am,' replied I, glad at 
 last that her ladyship allowed me to speak a word. 
 
 'Emma, my dear, you look pale, you must go out into 
 the air. Go, children, put your bonnets on and take a turn 
 in the garden ; when the carriage comes round I will send 
 for you.' 
 
 172 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 The young ladies quitted the room. ' Nice innocent girls, 
 Mr. Newland ; but you are not partial to blondes, I believe ? ' 
 
 ' Indeed, Lady Maelstrom, I infinitely prefer the blonde 
 to the brunette.' 
 
 * That proves your taste, Mr. Newland. The Fairfaxes 
 are of a very old family Saxon, Mr. Newland. Fairfax is 
 Saxon for light hair. Is it not remarkable that they should 
 be blondes to this day? Pure blood, Mr. Newland. You, 
 of course, have heard of General Fairfax in the time of 
 Cromwell. He was their direct ancestor an excellent family 
 and highly connected, Mr. Newland. You are aware that 
 they are my nieces. My sister married Mr. Fairfax.' 
 
 I paid the Misses Fairfax the compliments which I thought 
 they really deserved, for they were very pretty amiable girls, 
 and required no puffing on the part of her ladyship ; and 
 then I commenced. * Your ladyship has expressed such kind 
 wishes towards me, that I cannot be sufficiently grateful ; 
 but, perhaps your ladyship may think me romantic, I am 
 resolved never to marry, except for love.' 
 
 ' A very excellent resolve, Mr. Newland ; there are few 
 young men who care about love nowadays, but I consider that 
 love is a great security for happiness in the wedded state.' 
 
 'True, madam, and what can be more delightful than a 
 first attachment ? I appeal to your ladyship, was not your 
 first attachment the most delightful are not the reminiscences 
 most lasting do you not, even now, call to mind those 
 halcyon days when love was all and everything ? ' 
 
 * My days of romance are long past, Mr. Newland,' replied 
 her ladyship ; ' indeed I never had much romance in my 
 composition. I married Lord Maelstrom for the connection, 
 and I loved him pretty well, that is, soberly, Mr. Newland. 
 I mean, I loved him quite enough to marry him, and to obey 
 my parents, that is all.' 
 
 * But, my dear Lady Maelstrom, I did not refer to your 
 marriage with his lordship ; I referred to your first love.' 
 
 ' My first love, Mr. Newland ; pray what do you mean ? ' 
 replied her ladyship, looking very hard at me. 
 
 'Your ladyship need not be ashamed of it. Our hearts 
 are not in our own keeping, nor can we always control our 
 passions. I have but to mention the name of Warrender.' 
 
 ' Warrender \ } shrieked her ladyship. ' Pray, Mr. New- 
 
 173 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 land,' continued her ladyship, recovering herself, ' who gave 
 you that piece of information ? ' 
 
 ' My dear Lady Maelstrom, pray do not be displeased 
 with me, but I am very particularly interested in this affair. 
 Your love for Mr. Warrender, long before your marriage, is 
 well known to me ; and it is to that love, to which I referred, 
 when I asked you if it was not most delightful.' 
 
 'Well, Mr. Newland,' replied her ladyship, 'how you 
 have obtained the knowledge I know not, but there was, I 
 acknowledge, a trifling flirtation with Edward Warrender and 
 me but I was young, very young at that time.' 
 
 ' I grant it ; and do not, for a moment, imagine that I 
 intend to blame your ladyship ; but, as I before said, madam, 
 I am much interested in the business.' 
 
 'What interest can you have with a little flirtation of 
 mine, which took place before you were born, I cannot imagine, 
 Mr. Newland.' 
 
 ' It is because it took place before I was born, that I feel 
 so much interest.' 
 
 ' I cannot understand you, Mr. Newland, and I think we 
 had better change the subject.' 
 
 ' Excuse me, madam, but I must request to continue it a 
 little longer. Is Mr. Warrender dead or not ? Did he die 
 in the West Indies ? ' 
 
 ' You appear to be very curious on the subject, Mr. New- 
 land ; I hardly can tell. Yes, now I recollect, he did die of 
 the yellow fever, I think but I have quite forgotten all 
 about it and I shall answer no more questions ; if you were 
 not a favourite of mine, Mr. Newland, I should say that you 
 were very impertinent.' 
 
 'Then, your ladyship, I will put but one more question, 
 and that one I must put with your permission.' 
 
 * I should think, after what I have said, Mr. Newland, 
 that you might drop the subject.' 
 
 ' I will, your ladyship, immediately ; but pardon me the 
 question ' 
 
 'Well, Mr. Newland ?' 
 
 ' Do not be angry with me 
 
 ' Well ? ' exclaimed her ladyship, who appeared alarmed. 
 ' Nothing but the most important and imperative reasons 
 could induce me to ask the question' (her ladyship gasped 
 
 174 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 for breath, and could not speak) I stammered, but at last 
 I brought it out. 'What has become of of of the sweet 
 pledge of your love, Lady Maelstrom ? ' 
 
 Her ladyship coloured up with rage, raised up her clenched 
 hand, and then fell back in violent hysterics. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 I repair the damage, and make things worse Plot and counterplot Tim 
 gains a watch by setting watch upon his tongue. 
 
 I HARDLY knew how to act if I called the servants, my 
 interview would be at an end, and I was resolved to find out 
 the truth for the same reason, I did not like to ring for 
 water. Some vases with flowers were on the table ; I took 
 out the flowers, and threw the water in her face, but they 
 had been in the water some time, and had discoloured it green. 
 Her ladyship's dress was a high silk gown, of a bright slate 
 colour, and was immediately spoiled ; but this was no time 
 to stand upon trifles. I seized hold of a glass bottle, fancying, 
 in my hurry, it was eau de cologne, or some essence, and 
 poured a little into her mouth ; unfortunately, it was a bottle 
 of marking ink, which her ladyship, who was very economical, 
 had on the table in disguise. I perceived my error, and had 
 recourse to another vase of flowers, pouring a large quantity 
 of the green water down her throat. Whether the unusual 
 remedies had an effect, or not, I cannot tell, but her ladyship 
 gradually revived, and, as she leant back on the sofa, sobbing 
 every now and then, convulsively, I poured into her ear a 
 thousand apologies, until I thought she was composed enough 
 to listen to me. 
 
 4 Your ladyship's maternal feelings,' said I. 
 
 4 It's all a calumny ! a base lie, sir !' shrieked she. 
 
 4 Nay, nay, why be ashamed of a youthful passion ; why 
 deny what was in itself creditable to your unsophisticated 
 mind. Does not your heart, even now, yearn to embrace 
 your son will not you bless me, if I bring him to your feet 
 will not you bless your son, and receive him with delight ?' 
 
 4 It was a girl, 3 screamed her ladyship, forgetting herself, 
 and again falling into hysterics. 
 
 V 175 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'A girl!' replied I ; 'then I have lost my time, and it is 
 no use my remaining here.' 
 
 Mortified at the intelligence which overthrew my hopes 
 and castle buildings, I seized my hat, descended the stairs, 
 and quitted the house ; in my hurry and confusion quite 
 forgetting to call the servants to her ladyship's assistance. 
 Fortunately I perceived the Misses Fairfax close to the iron 
 railing of the garden. I crossed the road, wished them good- 
 bye, and told them that I thought Lady Maelstrom looked very 
 ill, and they had better go in to her. I then threw myself into 
 the first hackney-coach, and drove home. I found Timothy 
 had arrived before me, and I narrated all that had passed. 
 
 'You will never be able to go there again,' observed 
 Timothy, ' and depend upon it, she will be your enemy 
 through life. I wish you had not said anything to her.' 
 
 ' What is done cannot be undone ; but recollect, that if 
 she can talk, I can talk also.' 
 
 ' Will she not be afraid ?' 
 
 ' Yes, openly, she will ; and open attacks can be parried. ' 
 
 ' Very true. ' 
 
 ' But it will be as well to pacify her, if I can. I will write 
 to her.' I sat down and wrote as follows : 
 
 ' MY DEAR LADY MAELSTROM I am so astonished and 
 alarmed at the situation I put you in, by my impertinence and 
 folly, that I hardly know how to apologise. The fact is, that 
 looking over some of my father's old letters, I found many 
 from Warrender, in which he spoke of an affair with a young 
 lady, and I read the name as your maiden name, and also 
 discovered where the offspring was to be found. On re- 
 examination, for your innocence was too evident at our 
 meeting to admit of a doubt, I find that the name, although 
 something like yours, is spelt 'very differently, and that I must 
 have been led into an unpardonable error. What can I say 
 except that I throw myself on your mercy ? I dare not 
 appear before you again. I leave town to-morrow ; but if you 
 can pardon my folly and impertinence, and allow me to pay 
 my respects when London is full again, and time shall have 
 softened down your just anger, write me one line to that 
 effect, and you will relieve the burdened conscience of yours 
 most truly, J. NEWLAND.' 
 
 176 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'There, Tim,' said I, as I finished reading it over, 'take 
 that as a sop to the old Cerberus. She may think it prudent, 
 as I have talked of letters, to believe me and make friends. 
 I will not trust her, nevertheless.' 
 
 Tim went away, and very soon returned with an answer. 
 
 1 You are a foolish mad-cap, and I ought to shut my doors 
 against you ; you have half killed me spoilt my gown, and I 
 am obliged to keep my bed. Remember, in future, to be sure 
 of the right name before you make an assertion. As for for- 
 giving you, I shall think of it, and when you return to town, 
 you may call and receive my sentence. Cecilia was quite 
 frightened, poor dear girl : what a dear affectionate child she 
 is ! she is a treasure to me, and I don't think I ever could 
 part with her. She sends her regards. 
 
 ' Yours, 
 
 * C. MAELSTROM.' 
 
 ' Come, Timothy, at all events this is better than I ex- 
 pected but now I'll tell you what I propose to do. Har- 
 court was with me yesterday, and he wishes me to go down 
 
 with him to . There will be the assizes, and the 
 
 county ball, and a great deal of gaiety, and I have an idea 
 that it is just as well to beat the county as the town. I dine 
 with Mr. Masterton on Friday. On Saturday I will go down 
 and see Fleta, and on Tuesday or Wednesday I will start with 
 Harcourt to his father's, where he has promised me a hearty 
 welcome. Was there anything at Coleman Street ?' 
 
 ' Yes, sir ; Mr. Iving said that he had just received a letter 
 from your correspondent, and that he wished to know if the 
 little girl was well ; I told him that she was. Mr. Iving laid 
 the letter down on the desk, and I read the postmark, Dublin.' 
 
 'Dublin,' replied I. 'I should like to find out who 
 Melchior is and so I will as soon as I can.' 
 
 ' Well, sir, I have not finished my story. Mr. Iving said, 
 " My correspondent wishes to know whether the education of 
 the little girl is attended to ?" " Yes, " replied I, " it is. " " Is 
 she at school ?" " Yes, she has been at school ever since we 
 have been in London." " Where is she at school ?" inquired 
 he. Now, sir, as I never was asked that question by him 
 before, I did not know whether I ought to give an answer, so 
 I replied, " that I did not know. " " You know whether she is 
 N 177 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 in London or not, do you not ?" " How should I ?" replied I ; 
 " master had put her to school before I put on his liveries. " 
 " Does he never go to see her ?" inquired he. " I suppose so," 
 said I. " Then you really know nothing about it ? then look 
 you, my lad, I am anxious to find out where she is at school, 
 and the name of the people, and if you will find out the 
 direction for me, it will be money in your pocket, that's all. " 
 " Um, " replied I, " but how much ?" " Why, more than you 
 think for, my man, it will be a ten-pound note." " That alters 
 the case, " replied I ; " now I think again, I have an idea that 
 I do remember seeing her address on a letter my master 
 wrote to her. " " Ay, " replied Mr. Iving, " it's astonishing how 
 money sharpens the memory. I'll keep to my bargain ; give 
 me the address, and here's the ten-pound note." " I'm afraid 
 that my master will be angry, " said I, as if I did not much 
 like to tell him. " Your master will never know anything 
 about it, and you may serve a long time before he gives you a 
 ten-pound note above your wages. " " That's very true, " said 
 I, " sarvice is no inheritance. Well, then, give me the money, 
 and I'll write it down. " ' 
 
 * And did you give it ?' interrupted I. 
 
 * Stop a moment, sir, and you shall hear. I wrote down 
 the address of that large school at Kensington, which we pass 
 when we go to Mr. Aubrey White's. ' 
 
 ' What, that tremendous large board with yellow letters 
 Mrs. Let what is it ?' 
 
 ' Mrs. Lipscombe's seminary I always read the board 
 every time I go up and down. I gave him the address, Miss 
 Johnson, at Mrs. Lipscombe's seminary, Kensington. Well 
 and here's the ten-pound note, sir, which I have fairly earned. ' 
 
 ' Fairly earned, Tim ?' 
 
 ' Yes, fairly earned ; for it's all fair to cheat those who 
 would cheat you.' 
 
 ' I cannot altogether agree with you on that point, Tim, 
 but it certainly is no more than they deserve ; but this is 
 matter for reflection. Why should Melchior wish to find out 
 her address without my knowledge ? depend upon it, there is 
 something wrong.' 
 
 ' That's what I said to myself coming home ; and I made 
 up my mind, that, for some reason or another, he wishes to 
 regain possession of her. ' 
 
 I 7 8 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I entertain the same idea, Timothy, and I am glad you 
 have disappointed him. I will take care that they shall not 
 find her out, now that I am upon my guard.' 
 
 ' But, sir, I wish to draw one good moral from this circum- 
 stance ; which is, that if you had been served by any common 
 footman, your interest would, in all probability, have been 
 sacrificed to the ten-pound note ; and that not only in this 
 instance, but in many others, I did a very wise thing in taking 
 my present situation.' 
 
 1 1 am but too well aware of that, Tim, my dear fellow, ' 
 said I, extending my hand, ' and depend upon it, that if I 
 rise, you do. You know me well enough by this time. ' 
 
 * Yes, I do, Japhet, and had rather serve you than the first 
 nobleman in the land. I'm going to purchase a watch with 
 this ten-pound note, and I never shall look at it without 
 remembering the advantage of keeping a watch over my 
 tongue.' 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 I fall very much in love with honesty, because I find that it is well received 
 in the world and to prove my honesty, inform the whole world that 
 honest I have never been. 
 
 I PROVED the will of Major Carbonnell, in which there was no 
 difficulty ; and then I sat down to consider in what way I might 
 best husband my resources. The house was in good repair, 
 and well furnished. At the time that I lived with the major, we 
 had our drawing-room, and his bed-room, and another room 
 equally large, used as his dressing-room, on the first floor. 
 The second floor was appropriated to me, and the sitting- 
 room was used as a dining-room when we dined at home, 
 which was but seldom. The basement was let as a shop, at 
 one hundred pounds per annum, but we had a private door 
 for entrance, and the kitchens and attics. I resolved to 
 retain only the first floor, and let the remainder of the house ; 
 and I -very soon got a tenant at sixty pounds per annum. 
 The attics were appropriated to Timothy and the servants 
 belonging to the lodger. 
 
 179 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 After having disposed of what was of no service to me, I 
 found that, deducting the thousand pounds paid into the 
 banker's, for Lord Windermear, I had a little above three 
 thousand pounds in ready money, and what to do with this I 
 could not well decide. I applied to Mr. Masterton, stating 
 the exact amount of my finances, on the day that I dined 
 with him, and he replied, 'You have two good tenants, 
 bringing you in one hundred and sixty pounds per annum 
 if this money is put out on mortgage, I can procure you five 
 per cent, which will be one hundred and fifty pounds per 
 annum. Now, the question is, do you think that you can live 
 upon three hundred and ten pounds per annum ? You have 
 no rent to pay ; and I should think that, as you are not at 
 any great expense for a servant, you might, with economy, do 
 very well. Recollect, that if your money is lent on mortgage 
 you will not be able to obtain it at a moment's warning. So 
 reflect well before you decide.' 
 
 I consulted with Timothy, and agreed to lend the money, 
 reserving about two hundred pounds to go on with, until I 
 should receive my rents and interest. On the Friday I went 
 to dine with Mr. Masterton, and narrated what had passed 
 between me and Lady Maelstrom. He was very much diverted, 
 and laughed immoderately. ' Upon my faith, Mr. Newland, 
 but you have a singular species of madness ; you first attack 
 Lord Windermear, then a bishop, and, to crown all, you attack 
 a dowager peeress. I must acknowledge, that if you do not 
 find out your parents, it will not be for want of inquiry. 
 Altogether, you are a most singular character ; your history is 
 most singular, and your good fortune is equally so. You have 
 made more friends before you have come to age, than most 
 people do in their whole lives. You commence the world 
 with nothing, and here you are, with almost a competence 
 have paid off a loan of one thousand pounds, which was not 
 required and are moving in the best society. Now the only 
 drawback I perceive in all this is, that you are in society 
 under false colours, having made people suppose that you are 
 possessed of a large fortune. 7 
 
 ' It was not exactly my assertion, sir.' 
 
 ' No, I grant, not exactly ; but you have been a party to it, 
 and I cannot allow that there is any difference. Now, do you 
 mean to allow this supposition to remain uncontradicted ? ' 
 
 180 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I hardly know what to say, sir ; if I were to state that I 
 have nothing but a bare competence, it will be only injurious 
 to the memory of Major Carbonnell. All the world will 
 suppose that he has ruined me, and that I had the fortune, 
 whereas, on the contrary, it is to him that I am indebted for 
 my present favourable position.' 
 
 ' That may be very true, Mr. Newland ; but if I am to 
 consider you as my protdge", and I may add, the protdge of 
 Lord Windermear, I must make you quite honest I will be 
 no party to fraud in any shape. Are you prepared to resign 
 your borrowed plumes, and appear before the world as you 
 really are ? ' 
 
 ' There is but one inducement, sir, for me to wish that the 
 world may still deceive themselves. I may be thrown out of 
 society, and lose the opportunity of discovering my parents.' 
 
 'And pray, Mr. Newland, which do you think is more 
 likely to tend to the discovery, a general knowledge that you 
 are a foundling in search of your parents, or your present 
 method, of taxing everybody upon suspicion. If your parents 
 wish to reclaim you, they will then have their eyes directed 
 towards you, from your position being known ; and I will add, 
 there are few parents who will not be proud of you as a son. 
 You will have the patronage of Lord Windermear, which will 
 always secure you a position in society, and the good wishes 
 of all, although, I grant, that such worldly people as Lady 
 Maelstrom may strike your name off their porter's list. You 
 will, moreover, have the satisfaction of knowing that the 
 friends which you make have not been made under false 
 colours and appearances, and a still further satisfaction, 
 arising from a good conscience.' 
 
 * I am convinced, sir, and I thank you for your advice. I 
 will now be guided by you in everything.' 
 
 ' Give me your hand, my good lad, I now will be your 
 friend to the utmost of my power.' 
 
 * I only wish, sir,' replied I, much affected, ' that you were 
 also my father.' 
 
 'Thank you for the wish, as it implies that you have a 
 good opinion of me. What do you mean to do ? ' 
 
 ' I have promised my friend Mr. Harcourt to go down with 
 him to his father's.' 
 
 'Well.' 
 
 181 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' And before I go I will undeceive him.' 
 
 * You are right 4 you will then find whether he is a friend to 
 you or to your supposed ten thousand pounds per annum. I 
 have been reflecting, and I am not aware that anything else can 
 be done at present than acknowledging to the world who you 
 really are, which is more likely to tend to the discovery of 
 your parents than any other means, but at the same time I 
 shall not be idle. All we lawyers have among us strange 
 secrets, and among my fraternity, to whom I shall speak 
 openly, I think it possible that something may be found out 
 which may serve as a clue. Do not be annoyed at being cut 
 by many, when your history is known ; those who cut you are 
 those whose acquaintance and friendship are not worth having ; 
 it will unmask your flatterers from your friends, and you will 
 not repent of your having been honest ; in the end, it is the 
 best policy, even in a worldly point of view. Come to me as 
 often as you please ; I am always at home to you, and always 
 your friend.' 
 
 Such was the result of my dinner with Mr. Masterton, 
 which I narrated to Timothy as soon as I returned home. 
 'Well, Japhet, I think you have found a real friend in Mr. 
 Masterton, and I am glad that you have decided upon 
 following his advice. As for me, I am not under false colours, 
 I am in my right situation, and wish no more.' 
 
 In pursuance of my promise to Mr. Masterton, I called 
 upon Harcourt the next morning, and after stating my in- 
 tention to go down for a day or two into the country to see a 
 little girl who was under my care, I said to him, * Harcourt, 
 as long as we were only town acquaintances, mixing in 
 society, and under no peculiar obligation to each other, I did 
 not think it worth while to undeceive you on a point in which 
 Major Carbonnell was deceived himself, and has deceived 
 others ; but now that you have offered to introduce me into 
 the bosom of your family, I cannot allow you to remain in 
 error. It is generally supposed that I am about to enter into 
 a large property when I come of age ; now, so far from that 
 being the case, I have nothing in the world but a bare 
 competence, and the friendship of Lord Windermear. In 
 fact, I am a deserted child, ignorant of my parents, and most 
 anxious to discover them, as I have every reason to suppose 
 that I am of no mean birth. I tell you this candidly, and 
 
 182 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 unless you renew the invitation, shall consider that it has not 
 been given.' 
 
 Harcourt remained a short time without answering. ' You 
 really have astonished me, Newland ; but,' continued he, 
 extending his hand, ' I admire I respect you, and I feel that 
 I shall like you better. With ten thousand pounds a year, 
 you were above me now we are but equals. I, as a younger 
 brother, have but a bare competence, as well as you ; and as 
 for parents for the benefit I now derive from them, I might 
 as well have none. Not but my father is a worthy, fine old 
 gentleman, but the estates are entailed ; he is obliged to 
 keep up his position in society, and he has a large family to 
 provide for, and he can do no more. You have indeed an 
 uncommon moral courage to have made this confession. Do 
 you wish it to be kept a secret ? ' 
 
 ' On the contrary, I wish the truth to be known.' 
 
 ' I am glad that you say so, as I have mentioned you as a 
 young man of large fortune to my father ; but I feel convinced, 
 when I tell him this conversation, he will be much more 
 pleased in taking you by the hand, than if you were to come 
 down and propose to one of my sisters. I repeat the invita- 
 tion with double the pleasure that I gave it at first.' 
 
 ' I thank you, Harcourt,' replied I ; ' some day I will tell 
 you more. I must not expect, however, that everybody will 
 prove themselves as noble in ideas as yourself.' 
 
 ' Perhaps not, but never mind that. On Friday next, then, 
 we start.' 
 
 ' Agreed.' I shook hands and left him. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 I try back to recover the lost scent, and discover to my astonishment, that 
 I have been transported for forgery. 
 
 THE behaviour of Harcourt was certainly a good encourage- 
 ment, and had I been wavering in my promise to Mr. 
 Masterton, would have encouraged me to proceed. I returned 
 home with a light heart and a pleasing satisfaction, from the 
 conviction that I had done right. The next morning I set 
 
 183 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 off for , and, as it was a long while since I had seen Fleta, 
 
 our meeting was a source of delight on both sides. I found 
 her very much grown and improved. She was approaching 
 her fifteenth year, as nearly as we could guess of course her 
 exact age was a mystery. Her mind was equally expanded. 
 Her mistress praised her docility and application, and wished 
 to know whether I intended that she should be taught music 
 and drawing, for both of which she had shown a decided taste. 
 To this I immediately consented, and Fleta hung on my 
 shoulder and embraced me for the indulgence. She was now 
 fast approaching to womanhood, and my feelings towards her 
 were more intense than ever. I took the chain of coral and 
 gold beads from her neck, telling her that I must put it into a 
 secure place, as much depended upon them. She was curious 
 to know why, but I would not enter into the subject at that 
 time. One caution I gave her, in case, by any chance, her 
 retreat should be discovered by the companions of Melchior, 
 which was, that without I myself came, she was, on no 
 account, to leave the school, even if a letter from me was 
 produced, requesting her to come, unless that letter was 
 delivered by Timothy. I gave the same directions to her 
 mistress, paid up her schooling and expenses, and then left 
 her, promising not to be so long before I saw her again. On 
 my return to town I deposited the necklace with Mr. Master- 
 ton, who locked it up carefully in his iron safe. 
 
 On the Friday, as agreed, Harcourt and I, accompanied 
 by Timothy and Harcourt's servant, started on the outside of 
 the coach, as younger brothers usually convey themselves, for 
 
 his father's seat in shire, and arrived there in time for 
 
 dinner. I was kindly received by old Mr. Harcourt and his 
 family, consisting of his wife and three amiable and beautiful 
 girls. But on the second day, during which interval I presume 
 Harcourt had an opportunity of undeceiving his father, I was 
 delighted to perceive that the old gentleman's warmth of 
 behaviour towards me was increased. I remained there for a 
 fortnight, and never was so happy. I was soon on the most 
 intimate terms with the whole family, and was treated as if I 
 belonged to it. Yet when I went to bed every night, I be- 
 came more and more melancholy. I felt what a delight it 
 must be to have parents, sisters, and friends the bosom of a 
 family to retire into, to share with it your pleasures and your 
 
 184 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 pains ; and the tears often ran down my cheeks, and moistened 
 my pillow, when I had, not an hour before, been the happiest 
 of the happy, and the gayest of the gay. In a family party, 
 there is nothing so amusing as any little talent out of the 
 general way, and my performances and tricks on cards, etc., 
 in which Melchior had made me such an adept, were now 
 brought forward as a source of innocent gratification. When 
 I quitted, I had a general and hearty welcome to the house 
 from the parents ; and the eyes of the amiable girls, as well as 
 mine, were not exactly dry, as we bade each other farewell. 
 ' You told your father, Harcourt, did you not ? ' 
 
 * Yes, and the whole of them, Japhet ; and you must 
 acknowledge, that in their estimation you did not suffer. My 
 father is pleased with our intimacy, and advises me to cultivate 
 it. To prove to you that I am anxious so to do, I have a 
 proposal to make. I know your house as well as you do, and 
 that you have reserved only the first floor for yourself; but 
 there are two good rooms on the first floor, and you can 
 dispense with a dressing-room. Suppose we club together. 
 It will be a saving to us both, as poor Carbonnell said when 
 he took you in.' 
 
 ' With all my heart : I am delighted with the proposal.' 
 Harcourt then stated what it was his intention to offer for 
 his share of the apartment ; the other expenses to be divided, 
 and his servant dismissed. I hardly need say, that we did 
 not disagree, and before I had been a week in town, we were 
 living together. My interview with Mr. Masterton, and 
 subsequent events, had made me forget to call on the 
 governors of the Foundling Hospital, to ascertain whether 
 there had been any inquiries after me. On my return to town 
 I went there, and finding that there was a meeting to be held 
 on the next day, I presented myself. I was introduced into 
 the room where they were assembled. 
 
 * You wish to speak with the governors of the Hospital, I 
 understand,' said the presiding governor. 
 
 4 Yes, sir,' replied I ; 'I have come to ask whether an 
 inquiry has been made after one of the inmates of this charity, 
 of the name of Japhet Newland.' 
 
 Japhet Newland ! ' 
 
 * If you recollect, sir, he was bound to an apothecary of 
 the name of Cophagus, in consequence of some money which 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was left with him as an infant, enclosed in a letter, in which 
 it was said that he would be reclaimed if circumstances 
 permitted.' 
 
 ' I recollect it perfectly well it is now about six years back. 
 I think there was some inquiry, was there not, Mr. G ? ' 
 
 ' I think that there was, about a year and a half ago ; but 
 we will send for the secretary, and refer to the minutes.' 
 
 My heart beat quick, and the perspiration bedewed my 
 forehead, when I heard this intelligence. At last, my emotion 
 was so great, that I felt faint. * You are ill, sir,' said one of 
 the gentlemen ; ' quick a glass of water.' 
 
 The attendant brought a glass of water, which I drank, 
 and recovered myself. ' You appear to be much interested in 
 this young man's welfare.' 
 
 ' I am, sir,' replied I ; c no one can be more so.' 
 
 The secretary now made his appearance with the register, 
 and after turning over the leaves, read as follows : ' August 
 
 the 1 6th, a gentleman came to inquire after an infant left 
 
 here, of the name of Japhet, with whom money had been 
 deposited Japhet, christened by order of the governors, 
 Japhet Newland referred to the shop of Mr. Cophagus, 
 Smithfield Market. He returned the next day, saying that 
 Mr. Cophagus had retired from business that the parties in 
 the shop knew nothing for certain, but believed that the said 
 Japhet Newland had been transported for life for forgery, 
 about a year before.' 
 
 ' Good heavens ! what an infamous assertion ! ' exclaimed 
 I, clasping my hands. 
 
 1 On reference back to the calendar, we observed that one 
 J. Newland was transported for such an offence. Query ? ' 
 
 ' It must have been some other person ; but this has 
 arisen from the vindictive feeling of those two scoundrels who 
 served under Pleggit,' cried I. 
 
 ' How can you possibly tell, sir ? ' mildly observed one of 
 the governors. 
 
 * How can I tell, sir ! ' replied I, starting from my chair. 
 * Why, I am Japhet Newland myself, sir.' 
 
 ' You, sir,' replied the governor, surveying my fashionable 
 exterior, my chains, and bijouterie. 
 
 'Yes, sir, I am the Japhet Newland brought up in this 
 asylum, and who was apprenticed to Mr. Cophagus.' 
 
 186 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 c Probably, then, sir,' replied the president, ' you are the 
 Mr. Newland whose name appears at all the fashionable parties 
 in high life ? ' 
 
 * I believe that I am the same person, sir.' 
 
 * I wish you joy upon your success in the world, sir. It 
 would not appear that it can be very important to you to 
 discover your parents.' 
 
 ' Sir,' replied I, ' you have never known what it is to feel 
 the want of parents and friends. Fortunate as you may 
 consider me to be and I acknowledge I have every reason 
 to be grateful for my unexpected rise in life I would, at 
 this moment, give up all that I am worth, resume my Found- 
 ling dress, and be turned out a beggar, if I could but discover 
 the authors of my existence.' I then bowed low to the 
 governors, and quitted the room. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII 
 
 Mischief brewing Timothy and I set our wits to work, and he resumes 
 his old profession of a gipsy. 
 
 I HASTENED home with feelings too painful to be described. 
 I had a soreness at my heart, an oppression on my spirits, 
 which weighed me down. I had but one wish that I was 
 dead. I had already imparted to Harcourt the history of 
 my life ; and when I came in, I threw myself upon the sofa 
 in despair, and relieved my agonised heart with a flood of 
 tears. As soon as I could compose myself, I stated what 
 had occurred. 
 
 <My dear Newland, although it has been an unfortunate 
 occurrence in itself, I do not see that you have so much cause 
 to grieve, for you have this satisfaction, that it appears there 
 has been a wish to reclaim you.' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied I, I grant that ; but have they not been 
 told, and have they not believed, that I have been igno- 
 miniously punished for a capital crime ? Will they ever seek 
 me more ? ' 
 
 - ' Probably not ; you must now seek them. What I should 
 recommend is, that you repair to-morrow to the apothecary's 
 
 187 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 shop, and interrogate relative to the person who called to 
 make inquiries after you. If you will allow me, I will go 
 with you.' 
 
 ' And be insulted by those malignant scoundrels ? ' 
 
 ' They dare not insult you. As an apothecary's apprentice 
 they would, but as a gentleman they will quail ; and if they 
 do not, their master will most certainly be civil, and give 
 you all the information which he can. We may as well, 
 however, not do things by halves ; I will borrow my aunt's 
 carriage for the morning, and we will go in style.' 
 
 ' I think I will call this evening upon Mr. Masterton, and 
 ask his advice.' 
 
 ' Ask him to accompany us, Newland, and he will frighten 
 them with libel, and defamation of character.' 
 
 I called upon Mr. Masterton that evening, and told my 
 story. ' It is indeed very provoking, Newland ; but keep 
 your courage up, and I will go with you to-morrow, and will 
 see what we can make of it. At what time do you propose 
 to start ? ' 
 
 ' Will it suit you, sir, if we call at one o'clock ? ' 
 
 ' Yes ; so good-night, my boy, for I have something here 
 which I must contrive to get through before that time.' 
 
 Harcourt had procured the carriage, and we picked up 
 Mr. Masterton at the hour agreed, and proceeded to Smith- 
 field. When we drove up to the door of Mr. Pleggit's shop, 
 the assistants at first imagined that it was a mistake ; few 
 handsome carriages are to be seen stopping in this quarter 
 of the metropolis. We descended and entered the shop, Mr. 
 Masterton inquiring if Mr. Pleggit was at home. The shop- 
 men, who had not recognised me, bowed to the ground in 
 their awkward way ; and one ran to call Mr. Pleggit, who 
 was upstairs. Mr. Pleggit descended, and we walked into 
 the back parlour. Mr. Masterton then told him the object 
 of our calling, and requested to know why the gentleman 
 who had inquired after me had been sent away with the 
 infamous fabrication that I had been transported for forgery. 
 Mr. Pleggit protested innocence recollected, however, that 
 a person had called would make every inquiry of his shop- 
 men. The head man was called in and interrogated at 
 first he appeared to make a joke of it, but when threatened 
 by Mr. Masterton became humble acknowledged that they 
 
 1 88 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 had said that I was transported, for they had read it in the 
 newspapers was sorry for the mistake ; said that the gentle- 
 man was a very tall person, very well dressed, very much of 
 a gentleman could not recollect his exact dress was a 
 large built man, with a stern face but seemed very much 
 agitated when he heard that I had been transported. Called 
 twice, Mr. Pleggit was not in at first left his name thinks 
 the name was put down on the day-book when he called a 
 second time, Mr. Pleggit was at home, and referred him to 
 them, not knowing what had become of me. The other 
 shopman was examined, and his evidence proved similar to 
 that of the first. The day-book was sent for, and the day 
 in August referred to ; there was a name written down 
 on the side of the page, which the shopman said he had no 
 doubt, indeed he could almost swear, was the gentleman's 
 name, as there was no other name put down on that day. 
 The name, as taken down, was Derbennon. This was all 
 the information we could obtain, and we then quitted the 
 shop, and drove off without there being any recognition of 
 me on the part of Mr. Pleggit and his assistants. 
 
 ' I never heard that name before,' observed Harcourt to 
 Mr. Masterton. 
 
 'It is, in all probability, De Benyon,' replied the lawyer : 
 ' we must make allowances for their ignorance. At all events, 
 this is a sort of clue to follow up. The De Benyons are Irish.' 
 
 * Then I will set off for Ireland to-morrow morning, sir,' 
 said I. 
 
 ' You will do no such thing,' replied the lawyer ; ' but you 
 will call upon me to-morrow evening, and perhaps I may 
 have something to say to you.' 
 
 * I did not fail to attend to Mr. Masterton, who stated 
 that he had made every inquiry relative to the De Benyons ; 
 as he had said, they were an Irish family of the highest 
 rank, and holding the peerage of De Beauvoir ; but that he 
 had written to his agent in Dublin, giving him directions to 
 obtain for him every possible information in his power relative 
 to all the individuals composing it. Till this had been 
 received, all that I could do was to remain quiet. I then 
 narrated to him the behaviour of the agent, Mr. Iving, to 
 Timothy. 'There is some mystery there, most assuredly,' 
 observed Mr. Masterton : ' when do you go again to ? ' 
 
 189 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I replied, that it was not my intention to go there for 
 some time, unless he would wish to see the little girl. 
 
 ' I do, Newland. I think I must take her under my 
 protection as well as you. We will go down to-morrow. 
 Sunday is the only day I can spare ; but it must be put 
 down as a work of charity.' 
 
 The next day we went down to . Fleta was surprised 
 to see me so soon, and Mr. Masterton was much struck with 
 the elegance and classical features of my little protdgee. He 
 asked her many questions, and, with his legal tact, contrived 
 to draw from her many little points relative to her infant 
 days, which she had, till he put his probing questions, quite 
 forgotten. As we returned to town, he observed, 'You are 
 right, Japhet ; that is no child of humble origin. Her very 
 appearance contradicts it ; but we have, I think, a chance of 
 discovering who she is a better one, I'm afraid, than at 
 present we have for your identification. But never mind, 
 let us trust to perseverance. 3 
 
 For three weeks I continued to live with Harcourt, but I 
 did not go out much. Such was the state of my affairs, when 
 Timothy came to my room one morning, and said, ' I do not 
 know whether you have observed it, sir ; but there is a man 
 constantly lurking about here, watching the house, I believe. 
 I think, but still I'm not quite sure, that I have seen his face 
 before ; but where I cannot recollect.' 
 
 ' Indeed, what sort of a person may he be ?' 
 
 'He is a very dark man, stout, and well made ; and is 
 dressed in a sort of half-sailor, half-gentleman's dress, such as 
 you see put on by those who belong to the Funny Clubs on 
 the river ; but he is not at all a gentleman himself quite the 
 contrary. It is now about a week that I have seen him, 
 every day ; and I have watched him, and perceive that he 
 generally follows you as soon as you go out.' 
 
 ' Well, ' replied I, * we must find out what he wants if we 
 can. Point him out to me ; I will soon see if he is tracing 
 my steps.' 
 
 Timothy pointed him out to me after breakfast ; I could 
 not recollect the face, and yet it appeared that I had seen it 
 before. I went out, and after passing half a dozen streets, I 
 turned round and perceived that the man was dodging me. 
 I took no notice, but being resolved to try him again, I 
 
 190 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 walked to the White Horse Cellar, and took a seat inside a 
 Brentford coach about to start. On my arrival at Brentford I 
 got out, and perceived that the man was on the roof. Of a 
 sudden it flashed on my memory it was the gipsy who had 
 come to the camp with the communication to Melchior, which 
 induced him to quit it. I recollected him and his kneeling 
 down by the stream and washing his face. The mystery was 
 solved Melchior had employed him to find out the residence 
 of Fleta. In all probability they had applied to the false 
 address given by Timothy, and in consequence were trying, by 
 watching my motions, to find out the true one. * You shall 
 be deceived, at all events,' thought I, as I walked on through 
 Brentford until I came to a ladies' seminary. I rang the bell, 
 and was admitted, stating my wish to know the terms of the 
 school for a young lady, and contrived to make as long a stay 
 as I could, promising to call again, if the relatives of the 
 young lady were as satisfied as I professed to be. On my 
 quitting the house, I perceived that my gipsy attendant was 
 not far off. I took the first stage back, and returned to my 
 lodgings. When I had told all that had occurred to Timothy, 
 he replied, ' I think, sir, that if you could replace me for a 
 week or two, I could now be of great service. He does not 
 know me, and if I were to darken my face, and put on a 
 proper dress, I think I should have no difficulty in passing 
 myself off as one of the tribe, knowing their slang, and having 
 been so much with them.' 
 
 ' But what good do you anticipate, Timothy ?' 
 ' My object is to find out where he puts up, and to take the 
 same quarters make his acquaintance, and find out who 
 Melchior is, and where he lives. My knowledge of him and 
 Natte'e may perhaps assist me. ' 
 
 ' You must be careful, then, Timothy ; for he may know 
 sufficient of our history to suspect you. ' 
 
 * Let me alone, sir. Do you like my proposal ?' 
 1 Yes, I do ; you may commence your arrangements 
 immediately. ' 
 
 191 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 I set off on a wild-goose chase And fall in with an old friend. 
 
 THE next morning Timothy had procured me another valet, 
 and throwing off his liveries, made his appearance in the 
 evening, sending up to say a man wished to speak to me. 
 He was dressed in highlow boots, worsted stockings, greasy 
 leather small clothes, a shag waistcoat, and a blue frock over- 
 all. His face was stained of a dark olive, and when he was 
 ushered in, Harcourt, who was sitting at table with me, had 
 not the slightest recognition of him. As Harcourt knew all 
 my secrets, I had confided this ; I had not told him what 
 Timothy's intentions were, as I wished to ascertain whether 
 his disguise was complete. I had merely said I had given 
 Timothy leave for a few days. 
 
 ' Perhaps you may wish me away for a short time, ' said 
 Harcourt, looking at Tim. 
 
 ' Not at all, my dear Harcourt, why should I ? There's 
 nobody here but you and Timothy.' 
 
 * Timothy ! excellent upon my word, I never should have 
 known him.' 
 
 ' He is going forth on his adventures. ' 
 
 * And if you please, sir, I will lose no time. It is now 
 dark, and I know where the gipsy hangs out.' 
 
 ' Success attend you then ; but be careful, Tim. You had 
 better write to me, instead of calling. ' 
 
 ' I had the same idea ; and now I wish you a good 
 evening.' 
 
 When Timothy quitted the room, I explained our inten- 
 tions to Harcourt. * Yours is a strange adventurous sort of 
 life, Newland ; you are constantly plotted against, and plotting 
 in your turn mines and counter-mines. I have an idea that 
 you will turn out some grand personage after all ; for if not, 
 why should there be all this trouble about you ?' 
 
 1 The trouble, in the present case, is all about Fleta ; who 
 must, by your argument, turn out some grand personage.' 
 
 ' Well, perhaps she may. I should like to see that little 
 girl, Newland.' 
 
 192 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' That cannot be just now, for reasons you well know ; but 
 some other time it will give me great pleasure.' 
 
 On the second day after Tim's departure, I received a 
 letter from him by the twopenny post. He had made the 
 acquaintance of the gipsy, but had not extracted any inform- 
 ation, being as yet afraid to venture any questions. He 
 
 1 They had been consulting how this should be done.' 
 
 further stated that his new companion had no objection to a 
 glass or two, and that he had no doubt but that if he could 
 contrive to make him tipsy, in a few days he would have some 
 important intelligence to communicate. I was in a state of 
 great mental agitation during this time. I went to Mr. 
 Masterton, and narrated to him all that had passed. He was 
 surprised and amused, and desired me not to fail to let him 
 O 193 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 have the earliest intelligence of what came to light. He had 
 not received any answer as yet from his agent in Dublin. 
 
 It was not until eight days afterwards that I received 
 further communication from Timothy ; and I was in a state of 
 great impatience, combined with anxiety, lest any accident 
 should have happened. His communication was important. 
 He was on the most intimate footing with the man, who had 
 proposed that he should assist him to carry off a little girl, 
 who was at a school at Brentford. They had been consulting 
 how this should be done, and Timothy had proposed forging a 
 letter, desiring her to come up to town, and his carrying it as 
 a livery servant. The man had also other plans, one of which 
 was to obtain an entrance into the house by making acquaint- 
 ance with the servants ; another, by calling to his aid some of 
 the women of his fraternity to tell fortunes : nothing was as 
 yet decided, but that he was resolved to obtain possession of 
 the little girl, even if he were obliged to resort to force. In 
 either case Timothy was engaged to assist. 
 
 When I read this, I more than congratulated myself upon 
 the man's being on the wrong scent, and that Timothy had 
 hit upon his scheme. Timothy continued : that they had 
 indulged in very deep potations last night, and that the man 
 had not scrupled to say that he was employed by a person of 
 large fortune, who paid well, and whom it might not be advis- 
 able to refuse, as he had great power. After some difficulty, 
 he asked Timothy if he had ever heard the name of Melchior 
 in his tribe. Timothy replied that he had, and that at the 
 gathering he had seen him and his wife. Timothy at one time 
 thought that the man was about to reveal everything, but of 
 a sudden he stopped short, and gave evasive answers. To a 
 question put by Timothy, as to where they were to take the 
 child if they obtained possession of her, the man had replied, 
 that she would go over the water. Such were the contents of 
 the letter, and I eagerly awaited a further communication. 
 
 The next day I called at Long's Hotel upon a gentleman 
 with whom I was upon intimate terms. After remaining a 
 short time with him, I was leaving the hotel, when I was 
 attracted by some trunks in the entrance hall. I started 
 when I read the address of ' A. De Benyon, Esq., to be left 
 
 at F 1 Hotel, Dublin.' I asked the waiter who was by, 
 
 whether Mr. De Benyon had left the hotel. He replied that 
 
 194 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 he had left it in his own carriage that morning, and having 
 more luggage than he could take with him, had desired these 
 trunks to be forwarded by the coach. I had by that time 
 resumed my serenity. I took out a memorandum-book, wrote 
 down the address on the trunks, saying that I was sorry not 
 to have seen Mr. De Benyon, and that I would write to him. 
 But if I composed myself before the waiter, how did my 
 heart throb as I hastily passed through Bond Street to my 
 home ! I had made up my mind, upon what very slight 
 grounds the reader must be aware, that this Mr. De Benyon 
 either must be my father, or, if not, was able to tell me who 
 was. Had not Mr. Masterton said that there was a clue 
 had he not written to Dublin ? The case was to my excited 
 imagination as clear as the noon-day, and before I arrived at 
 home, I had made up my mind in what manner I should 
 proceed. It was then about four o'clock. I hastily packed up 
 my portmanteau took with me all my ready money, about sixty 
 pounds, and sent the servant to secure a place in the mail to 
 Holyhead. He returned, stating that there was a seat taken for 
 me. I waited till half-past five to see Harcourt, but he did not 
 come home. I then wrote him a short note, telling him where 
 I was going, and promising to write as soon as I arrived. 
 
 ' Ireland is to be the ground of my future adventures, my 
 dear Harcourt. Call upon Mr. Masterton, and tell him what 
 I have done, which he surely will approve. Open Timothy's 
 letters, and let me have their contents. I leave you to arrange 
 and act for me in every respect until I return. In the mean- 
 time believe me, 
 
 ' Ever yours, 
 
 <J. NEWLAND. 
 
 I gave the letter to the valet, and calling a coach drove to 
 the office, and in less than five minutes afterwards was rolling 
 away to Holyhead, felicitating myself upon my promptitude 
 and decision, little imagining to what the step I had taken 
 was to lead. 
 
 It was a very dark night in November when I started on 
 my expedition. There were three other passengers in the 
 mail, none of whom had yet spoken a word, although we had 
 made several miles of our journey. Muffled up in my cloak, 
 I indulged in my own reveries as usual, building up castles 
 
 195 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 which toppled over one after another as I built and rebuilt 
 again. At last one of the passengers blew his nose, as if to 
 give warning that he was about to speak ; and then inquired 
 of the gentleman next him if he had seen the evening news- 
 papers. The other replied in the negative. ' It would appear 
 that Ireland is not in a very quiet state, sir, 3 observed the first. 
 
 ' Did you ever read the history of Ireland ? ' inquired the 
 other. 
 
 ' Not very particularly.' 
 
 * Then, sir, if you were to take that trouble, you will find 
 that Ireland, since it was first peopled, never has been in a 
 quiet state, nor perhaps ever will. It is a species of human 
 volcano always either smoking, burning, or breaking out 
 into eruptions and fire.' 
 
 ' Very true, sir,' replied the other. ' I am told the White 
 Boys are mustering in large numbers, and that some of the 
 districts are quite impassable.' 
 
 * Sir, if you had travelled much in Ireland, you would have 
 found out that many of the districts are quite impassable, 
 without the impediment of the White Boys.' 
 
 ' You have been a great deal in Ireland then, sir,' replied 
 the other. 
 
 * Yes, sir,' said the other with a consequential air, ' I believe 
 I may venture to say that I am in charge of some of the most 
 considerable properties in Ireland.' 
 
 ' Lawyer agent five per cent and so on,' muttered the 
 third party, who sate by me, and had not yet spoken. 
 
 There was no mistaking him it was my former master, 
 Mr. Cophagus ; and I cannot say that I was very well pleased 
 at this intimation of his presence, as I took it for granted that 
 he would recognise me as soon as it was daylight. The con- 
 versation continued, without any remarks being made upon 
 this interruption on the part of Mr. Cophagus. The agent, it 
 appeared, had been called to London on business, and was 
 returning. The other was a professor of music, bound to 
 Dublin on speculation. What called Mr. Cophagus in that 
 direction I could not comprehend ; but I thought I would try 
 and find out. I therefore, while the two others were engaged 
 in conversation, addressed him in a low tone of voice. ' Can 
 you tell me, sir, if the College at Dublin is considered good 
 for the instruction of surgical pupils ? ' 
 
 196 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Country good, at all events plenty of practice broken 
 heads and so on. 5 
 
 ' Have you ever been in Ireland, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Ireland ! never don't wish to go must go old women 
 will die executor botheration and so on.' 
 
 * I hope she has left you a good legacy, sir,' replied I. 
 
 ' Legacy humph can't tell silver tea-pot suit of black, 
 and so on. Long journey won't pay can't be helped old 
 women always troublesome alive or dead bury her, come 
 back and so on.' 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 I deny my master. 
 
 ALTHOUGH Mr. Cophagus was very communicative in his 
 own way, he had no curiosity with regard to others, and the 
 conversation dropped. The other two had also asked all the 
 questions which they wished, and we all, as if by one agree- 
 ment, fell back in our seats, and shut our eyes, to court sleep. 
 I was the only one who wooed it in vain. Day broke, my 
 companions were all in repose, and I discontinued my reveries, 
 and examined their physiognomies. Mr. Cophagus was the 
 first to whom I directed my attention. He was much the 
 same in face as when I had left him, but considerably thinner 
 in person. His head was covered with a white nightcap, and 
 he snored with emphasis. The professor of music was a very 
 small man, with mustachios : his mouth was wide open ; and 
 one would have thought that he was in the full execution of a 
 bravura. The third person, who had stated himself to be an 
 agent, was a heavy, full-faced, coarse-looking personage, with 
 his hat over his eyes, and his head bent down on his chest, 
 and I observed that he had a small packet in one of his hands, 
 with his forefinger twisted through the string. I should not 
 have taken further notice, had not the name of T. Iving, in 
 the corner of the side on which was the direction, attracted 
 my attention. It was the name of Melchior's London corre- 
 spondent, who had attempted to bribe Timothy. This induced 
 me to look down and read the direction of the packet, and I 
 
 197 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 clearly deciphered, Sir Henry de Clare, Bart., Mount Castle, 
 Connemara. I took out my tablets and wrote down the 
 address. I certainly had no reason for so doing, except that 
 nothing should be neglected, as there was no saying what 
 might turn out. I had hardly replaced my tablets when the 
 party awoke, made a sort of snatch at the packet, as if recol- 
 
 ' My companions were all in repose' 
 
 lecting it, and wishing to ascertain if it were safe, looked at it, 
 took off his hat, let down the window, and then looked round 
 upon the other parties. 
 
 ' Fine morning, sir,' said he to me, perceiving that I was 
 the only person awake. 
 
 ' Very,' replied I, ' very fine ; but I had rather be walking 
 over the mountains of Connemara, than be shut up in this 
 close and confined conveyance.' 
 
 198 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Hah ! you know Connemara, then ? I'm going there ; 
 perhaps you are also bound to that part of the country ? but 
 you are not Irish.' 
 
 ' I was not born or bred in Ireland, certainly,' replied I. 
 ' So I should say. Irish blood in your veins, I presume.' 
 
 * I believe such to be the case,' replied I, with a smile, 
 implying certainty. 
 
 ' Do you know Sir Henry de Clare ? ' 
 ' Sir Henry de Clare of Mount Castle is he not ? ' 
 ' The same ; I am going over to him. I am agent for his 
 estates, among others. A very remarkable man. Have you 
 ever seen his wife ? ' 
 
 ' I really cannot tell,' replied I ; 'let me call to mind.' 
 I had somehow or another formed an idea, that Sir Henry 
 de Clare and Melchior might be one and the same person ; 
 nothing was too absurd or improbable for my imagination, 
 and I had now means of bringing home my suspicions. ' I 
 think,' continued I, ' I recollect her that is, she is a very 
 tall, handsome woman, dark eyes and complexion.' 
 
 * The very same,' replied he. 
 
 My heart bounded at the information ; it certainly was not 
 any clue to my own parentage, but it was an object of my 
 solicitude, and connected with the welfare of Fleta. ' If I 
 recollect right,' observed I, ' there are some curious passages 
 in the life of Sir Henry ?' 
 
 * Nothing very particular,' observed the agent, looking out 
 of the window. 
 
 ' I thought that he had disappeared for some time.' 
 
 ' Disappeared ! he certainly did not live in Ireland, because 
 
 he had quarrelled with his brother. He lived in England 
 
 until his brother's death.' 
 
 ' How did his brother die, sir ? ' 
 
 * Killed by a fall when hunting,' replied the agent. ' He 
 was attempting to clear a stone wall, the horse fell back on 
 him, and dislocated his spine. I was on the spot when the 
 accident happened.' 
 
 I recollected the imperfect communication of Fleta, who 
 had heard the gipsy say that ' he was dead ' ; and also the 
 word horse made use of, and I now felt convinced that I had 
 found out Melchior. * Sir Henry, if I recollect right, has no 
 family,' observed I. 
 
 199 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' No ; and I am afraid there is but little chance.' 
 
 ' Had the late baronet, his elder brother, any family ? 
 
 ' What, Sir William ? No ; or Sir Henry would not have 
 come into the title.' 
 
 1 He might have had daughters,' replied I. 
 
 ' Very true ; now I think of it, there was a girl, who died 
 when young.' 
 
 * Is the widow of Sir William alive ? ' 
 
 ' Yes ; and a very fine woman she is ; but she has left 
 Ireland since her husband's death.' 
 
 I did not venture to ask any more questions. Our con- 
 versation had roused Mr. Cophagus and the other passenger ; 
 and as I had reflected how I should behave in case of recogni- 
 tion, I wished to be prepared for him. You have had a good 
 nap, sir,' said I, turning to him. 
 
 'Nap yes coach nap, bad head sore and so on. 
 Why bless me Japhet Japhet New yes it is.' 
 
 ' Do you speak to me, sir ? ' inquired I, with a quiet air. 
 
 ' Speak to you yes bad memory hip ! quite forgot 
 old master shop in Smithfield mad bull and so on.' 
 
 ' Really, sir,' replied I, ' I am afraid you mistake me for 
 some other person.' 
 
 Mr. Cophagus looked very hard at me, and perceiving that 
 there was no alteration in my countenance, exclaimed, ' Very 
 odd same nose same face same age too very odd like 
 as two pills beg pardon made a mistake and so on.' 
 
 Satisfied with the discomfiture of Mr. Cophagus, I turned 
 round, when I perceived the Irish agent, with whom I had 
 been in conversation, eyeing me most attentively. As I said 
 before, he was a hard-featured man, and his small grey eye 
 was now fixed upon me, as if it would have pierced me 
 through. I felt confused for a moment, as the scrutiny was 
 unexpected from that quarter ; but a few moments' reflection 
 told me, that if Sir Henry de Clare and Melchior were the same 
 person, and this man his agent, in all probability he had not 
 been sent to England for nothing ; that if he was in search of 
 Fleta, he must have heard of my name, and perhaps some- 
 thing of my history. ' I appear to have a great likeness to 
 many people,' observed I, to the agent, smiling. * It was but 
 the other day I was stopped in Bond Street as a Mr. 
 Rawlinson.' 
 
 200 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Not a very common face either, sir,' observed the agent ; 
 'if once seen not easily forgotten, nor easily mistaken for 
 another.' 
 
 ' Still such appears to be the case,' replied I, carelessly. 
 
 We now stopped to take refreshment. I had risen from 
 the table, and was going into the passage, when I perceived 
 the agent looking over the way-bill with the guard. As soon 
 as he perceived me, he walked out in front of the inn. Before 
 the guard had put up the bill, I requested to look at it, 
 wishing to ascertain if I had been booked in my own name. 
 It was so. The four names were, Newland, Cophagus, Baltzi, 
 M'Dermott. I was much annoyed at this circumstance. 
 M'Dermott was, of course, the name of the agent ; and that 
 was all the information I received in return for my own 
 exposure, which I now considered certain ; I determined, 
 however, to put a good face on the matter, and when we 
 returned to the coach, again entered into conversation with 
 Mr. M'Dermott, but I found him particularly guarded in his 
 replies whenever I spoke about Sir Henry or his family, and I 
 could not obtain any further information. Mr. Cophagus 
 could not keep his eyes off me he peered into my face then 
 he would fall back in the coach. * Odd very odd must be 
 no says not um.' In about another half hour, he would 
 repeat his examination, and mutter to himself. At last, as if 
 tormented with his doubts, he exclaimed, 'Beg pardon but 
 you have a name ? ' 
 
 * Yes,' replied I, ' I have a name.' 
 
 1 Well, then not ashamed. What is it ? ' 
 
 1 My name, sir,' replied I, ' is Newland ' ; for I had resolved 
 to acknowledge to my name, and fall back upon a new line of 
 defence. 
 
 'Thought so don't know me don't recollect shop Mr. 
 Brookes's Tim rudiments and so on.' 
 
 ' I have not the least objection to tell you my name ; but I 
 am afraid you have the advantage in your recollection of me. 
 Where may I have had the honour of meeting you ? ' 
 
 ' Meeting what, quite forgot Smithfield ? ' 
 
 ' And pray, sir, where may Smithfield be ? ' 
 
 'Very odd can't comprehend same name, same face 
 don't recollect me, don't recollect Smithfield ? ' 
 
 ' It may be very odd, sir ; but, as I am very well known 
 201 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 in London, at the west end, perhaps we have met there. 
 Lord Windermear's, perhaps Lady Maelstrom's?' and I 
 continued mentioning about a dozen of the most fashionable 
 names. ' At all events, you appear to have the advantage of 
 me ; but I trust you will excuse my want of memory, as my 
 acquaintance is very extensive.' 
 
 * I see quite a mistake same name, not same person 
 beg pardon, sir apologies and so on,' replied the apothecary, 
 drawing in a long sigh. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI 
 
 I turn lawyer. 
 
 I WATCHED the countenance of the agent, who appeared at 
 last to be satisfied that there had been some mistake ; at least 
 he became more communicative ; and as I no longer put any 
 questions to him relative to Sir Henry, we had a long con- 
 versation. I spoke to him about the De Benyons, making 
 every inquiry that I could think of. He informed me that the 
 deceased earl, the father of the present, had many sons, who 
 were some of them married, and that the family was extensive. 
 He appeared to know them all, the professions which they 
 had been brought up to, and their careers in life. I treasured 
 up his information, and, as soon as I had an opportunity, 
 wrote down all which he had told me. On our arrival at 
 Holyhead, the weather was very boisterous, and the packet 
 was to depart immediately. Mr. M'Dermott stated his 
 intentions to go over, but Mr. Cophagus and the professor 
 declined ; and, anxious as I was to proceed, I did not wish to 
 be any longer in company with the agent, and, therefore, also 
 declined going on board. Mr. M'Dermott called for a glass 
 of brandy and water, drank it off in haste, and then, followed 
 by the porter, with his luggage, went down to embark. 
 
 As soon as he was gone, I burst into a fit of laughter. 
 'Well, Mr. Cophagus, acknowledge that it is possible to 
 persuade a man out of his senses. You knew me, and you 
 were perfectly right in asserting that I was Japhet, yet did 
 
 202 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I persuade you at last that you were mistaken. But I will 
 explain to you why I did so.' 
 
 ' All right/ said the apothecary, taking my proffered hand, 
 ' thought so no mistake handsome fellow so you are 
 Japhet Newland my apprentice and so on.' 
 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied I, laughing, ' I am Japhet Newland.' 
 (I turned round, hearing a noise, the door had been opened, 
 and Mr. M'Dennott had just stepped in; he had returned 
 for an umbrella, which he had forgotten ; he looked at me, 
 at Mr. Cophagus, who still held my hand in his, turned short 
 round, said nothing, and walked out.) 'This is unfortunate,' 
 observed I : 'my reason for not avowing myself was to 
 deceive that very person, and now I have made the avowal 
 to his face ; however, it cannot be helped.' 
 
 I sat down with my old master, and as I knew that I 
 could confide in him, gave him an outline of my life, and 
 stated my present intentions. 
 
 ' I see, Japhet, I see done mischief sorry for it can't 
 be helped do all I can um what's to be done ? be your 
 friend always like you help all I can and so on.' 
 
 ' But what would you advise, sir ? ' 
 
 'Advice bad as physic nobody takes it Ireland wild 
 place no law better go back leave all to me find out 
 and so on.' 
 
 This advice I certainly could not consent to follow. 
 
 We argued the matter over for some time, and then it 
 was agreed that we should proceed together. I was informed 
 by Mr. Cophagus that he had retired with a very handsome 
 fortune, and was living in the country, about ten miles from 
 the metropolis ; that he had been summoned to attend the 
 funeral of a maiden aunt in Dublin, who had left him 
 executor and residuary legatee, but that he knew nothing 
 of her circumstances. He was still a bachelor, and amused 
 himself in giving advice and medicines gratis to the poor 
 people of the village in which he resided, there being no 
 resident practitioner within some distance. He liked the 
 country very much, but there was one objection to it the 
 cattle. He had not forgotten the mad bull. At a very late 
 hour we retired to our beds : the next morning the weather 
 had moderated, and, on the arrival of the mail, we embarked, 
 and had a very good passage over. On my arrival at Dublin 
 
 203 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I directed my steps to the F Hotel, as the best place 
 
 to make inquiries relative to Mr. De Benyon. Mr. Cophagus 
 also put up at the same hotel, and we agreed to share a 
 sitting-room. 
 
 ' Waiter,' said I, * do you know a Mr. De Benyon ? ' 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied he ; ' there is one of the De Benyons at 
 the hotel at this moment.' 
 
 * Is he a married man ? ' 
 
 ' Yes with a large family.' 
 ' What is his Christian name ? ' 
 
 ' I really cannot tell, sir ; but I'll find out for you by to- 
 morrow morning.' 
 
 ' When does he leave ? ' 
 'To-morrow, I believe.' 
 
 * Do you know where he goes ? ' 
 ' Yes, sir, to his own seat.' 
 
 The waiter left the room. 'Won't do, Japhet,' said 
 Cophagus. ' Large family don't want more hard times, 
 and so on.' 
 
 ' No,' replied I, 'it does not exactly answer ; but I may 
 from him obtain further intelligence.' 
 
 * Won't do, Japhet try another way large family want 
 all uncle's money um never tell good-night.' 
 
 This remark of Mr. Cophagus gave me an idea, upon 
 which I proceeded the next morning. I sent in my card, 
 requesting the honour of speaking to Mr. De Benyon, stating 
 that I had come over to Ireland on business of importance, 
 but that, as I must be back if possible by term time, it would 
 perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took 
 in the message. ' Back by term time it must be some 
 legal gentleman. Show him up,' said Mr. De Benyon. 
 
 I walked in with a business-like air. ' Mr. De Benyon, I 
 believe?' 
 
 ' Yes, sir ; will you do me the favour to take a chair ? ' 
 
 I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum -book. 
 * My object, Mr. De Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain 
 a few particulars relative to your family, which we cannot 
 so easily find out in England. There is a property which it 
 is supposed may be claimed by one of the De Benyons, but 
 which we cannot ascertain until we have a little search into 
 the genealogical tree.' 
 
 204 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Is the property large ? ' inquired Mr. De Benyon. 
 
 ' Not very large,' replied I ; f but still a" very handsome 
 property, I am told. 5 The reader may surmise that the 
 property referred to was my own pretty self. 'May I ask 
 you a few particulars relative to the present earl and his 
 brothers ? ' 
 
 ' Most certainly, sir,' replied Mr. De Benyon ; ' any informa- 
 tion I can give you will be at your service. The earl has 
 four brothers. The eldest Maurice.' 
 
 * Is he married ? ' 
 
 * Yes, and has two children. The next is William.' 
 
 * Is he married ? ' 
 
 ' No ; nor has he ever been. He is a general in the army. 
 The third is myself, Henry.' 
 
 ' You are married, I believe, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, with a large family.' 
 
 1 May I request you will proceed, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Arthur is the fourth brother. He is lately married, and 
 has two children.' 
 
 ' Sir, I feel much obliged to you ; it is a curious and 
 intricate affair. As I am here, I may as well ask one 
 question, although not of great consequence. The earl is 
 married, I perceive, by the peerage, but I do not find that 
 he has any children.' 
 
 * On the contrary, he has two and prospects of more. May 
 I now request the particulars connected with this property ? ' 
 
 'The exact particulars, sir, I cannot well tell you, as I 
 am not acquainted with them myself; but the property in 
 question, I rather think, depends upon a name. May I 
 venture to ask the names of all your children ? ' 
 
 Mr. De Benyon gave me a list seriatim, which I put down 
 with great gravity. 
 
 ' Of course, there is no doubt of your second brother not 
 being married. I believe we ought to have a certificate. Do 
 you know his address ? ' 
 
 * He has been in the East Indies for many years. He 
 returned home on furlough, and has now just sailed again 
 for Calcutta.' 
 
 * That is unfortunate ; we must forward a letter through 
 the Indian Board. May I also be favoured with your address, 
 as in all probability it may be advisable ? ' 
 
 205 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Mr. De Benyon gave me his address. I rose, promised 
 to give him all the particulars as soon as they were known to 
 me, bowed, and made my exit. To one who was in his 
 sober senses, there certainly was not any important informa- 
 tion gained ; but to me, it was evident that the Mr. De 
 Benyon who was a general in the army was to be interrogated, 
 and I had almost made up my mind to set off for Calcutta. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII 
 
 I affront an Irish gentleman and make a handsome apology, 
 which is accepted 
 
 BEFORE I had gained my own room, I informed Mr. Cophagus, 
 who had just returned from a visit to his maiden aunt's house, 
 of what had passed. 
 
 1 Can't see anything in it, Japhet wild-goose chase 
 who told you ? oh ! Pleggit's men sad liars De Benyon 
 not name, depend upon it all stuff, and so on.' 
 
 And when I reflected, I could but acknowledge that the 
 worthy apothecary might be right, and that I was running 
 after shadows ; but this was only in my occasional fits of 
 despondency : I soon rallied, and was as sanguine as ever. 
 Undecided how to proceed, and annoyed by what Cophagus 
 had said, I quitted the hotel, to walk out in no very good 
 humour. As I went out, I perceived the agent M'Dermott 
 speaking to the people in the bar, and the sight of him 
 reminded me of what, for a moment, I had forgotten, which 
 was, to ascertain whether Melchior and Sir Henry de Clare 
 were one and the same person. As I passed a crossing, a 
 man in tattered habiliments, who was sweeping it, asked for 
 alms, but being in no very charitable humour, I walked on. 
 He followed me, pestering me so much, that I gave him a 
 tap with the cane in my hand, saying to him, ' Be off, you 
 scoundrel.' 
 
 ' Oh ! very well. Be off, is it you mane ? By the blood 
 of the O'Rourkes but you'll answer for that same, anyhow. 3 
 
 I passed on, and having perambulated the city of Dublin 
 for some time, returned to the hotel. A few minutes after- 
 
 206 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 wards, I was told by the waiter that a Mr. O'Donaghan 
 wished to speak to me. ' I have not the honour of his 
 acquaintance/ replied I, * but you may show him up. 3 
 
 Mr. O'Donaghan entered, a tall, thick-whiskered personage, 
 in a shabby-genteel dress, evidently not made for him, a pair 
 of white cotton gloves, and a small stick. ' I believe that I 
 have the honour of spaking to the gentleman who crossed over 
 the street about two hours ago ? ' 
 
 'Upon my word, sir,' replied I, 'that is so uncertain a 
 definition that I can hardly pretend to say whether I am the 
 person you mean ; indeed, from not having the pleasure of 
 any one's acquaintance in Dublin, I rather think there must 
 be some mistake.' 
 
 ' The devil a bit of a mistake, at all at all ; for there's the 
 little bit of a cane with which you paid my friend, Mr. 
 O'Rourke, the compliment over his shoulders.' 
 
 ' I really am quite mystified, sir, and do not understand 
 you ; will you favour me with an explanation ? ' 
 
 ' With all the pleasure in life, for then we shall come to a 
 right understanding. You were crossing the street, and a 
 gentleman, a particular friend of mine, with a broom which he 
 carries for his own amusement, did himself the honour to 
 address you, whereupon, of that same little stick of yours, you 
 did him the honour to give him a slight taste.' 
 
 ' What do you mean ? do you refer to the sweeper, who 
 was so importunate when I crossed over the road ? ' 
 
 ' Then, by the powers, you've just hit it, as you did him. 
 That's my particular friend, Thaddeus O'Rourke, gentleman.' 
 
 ' Gentleman ! ' exclaimed I. 
 
 * And with as good and as true Milesian blood as any in 
 Ireland. If you think, sir, that because my friend, just for his 
 own amusement, thinks proper to put on the worst of his 
 clothes and carry a broom, just by way of exercise, to prevent 
 his becoming too lusty, he is therefore to be struck like a 
 hound, it's a slight mistake, that's all ; and here, sir, is his 
 card ; and you will oblige me by mentioning any friend of yours 
 with whom I may settle all the little points necessary before 
 the meeting of two gentlemen.' 
 
 I could hardly refrain from laughing at this Irish gentleman 
 and his friend, but I thought it advisable to retain my 
 countenance. * My dear sir,' replied I, ' it grieves me to the 
 
 207 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 heart that I should have committed such an error, in not 
 perceiving the gentility of your friend ; had I not been so 
 careless, I certainly should have requested him to do me the 
 honour to accept a shilling, instead of having offered him the 
 insult. I hope it is not now too late ? ' 
 
 ' By the powers, I'm not one of those harum-scarum sort, 
 who would make up a fight when there's no occasion for it, 
 and as your 'haviour is that of a gentleman, I think it will 
 perhaps be better to shake hands upon it, and forget it 
 altogether. Suppose now, we'll consider that it was all a 
 mistake ? You give the shilling as you intended to do, I'll 
 swear only you were in so great a hurry and then, perhaps, 
 you'll not object to throw in another shilling for that same tap 
 with the cane, just to wipe off the insult, as it were, as we do 
 our sins, when we fork out the money, and receive absolution 
 from the padre ; and then, perhaps, you will not think it too 
 much if I charge another shilling for my time and trouble, for 
 carrying a message between two gentlemen.' 
 
 * On the contrary, Mr. O'Donaghan, I think all your 
 demands are reasonable. Here is the money.' 
 
 Mr. O'Donaghan took the three shillings. ' Then, sir, and 
 many thanks to you, I'll wish you a good evening, and Mr. 
 O'Rourke shall know from me that you have absolution for 
 the whole, and that you have offered every satisfaction which 
 one gentleman could expect from another.' So saying, Mr. 
 O'Donaghan put his hat on with a firm cock, pulled on his 
 gloves, manoeuvred his stick, and, with a flourishing bow, 
 took his departure. 
 
 I had hardly dismissed this gentleman, and was laughing 
 to myself at the ridiculous occurrence, when Mr. Cophagus 
 returned, first putting his cane up to his nose with an arch 
 look, and then laying it down on the table and rubbing his 
 hands. 'Good warm old lady. .No dead and cold but 
 left some thousands only one legacy old tom-cat physic 
 him to-morrow soon die, and so on.' 
 
 On a more full explanation, I found that the old lady had 
 left about nine thousand pounds in the funds and bank 
 securities, all of which, with the exception of twenty pounds 
 per annum to a favourite cat, was left to Mr. Cophagus. I 
 congratulated him upon this accession of fortune. He stated 
 that the lease of the house and the furniture were still to be 
 
 208 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 disposed of, and that afterwards he should have nothing more 
 to do ; but he wished me very much to assist him in 
 rummaging over the various cabinets belonging to the old 
 lady, and which were full of secret drawers ; that in one 
 
 ' Afr. ' Donaghan pulled on his gloves' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 cabinet alone he had found upwards of fifty pounds in various 
 gold coins, and that if not well examined, they would probably 
 be sold with many articles of consequence remaining in them. 
 As my only object in Ireland was to find out Sir Henry de 
 P 209 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Clare, and identify him (but, really, why I could not have 
 said, as it would have proved nothing after all), I willingly 
 consented to devote a day to assist Mr. Cophagus in his 
 examination. The next morning after breakfast, we went 
 together to the house of the old lady, whose name had been 
 Maitland, as Mr. Cophagus informed me. Her furniture was 
 of the most ancient description, and in every room in the 
 house there was an ormolu or Japan cabinet ; some of them 
 were very handsome, decorated with pillars, and silver orna- 
 ments. I can hardly recount the variety of articles, which in 
 all probability had been amassed during the whole of the old 
 lady's life, commencing with her years of childhood, and 
 ending with the day of her death. There were antique 
 ornaments, some of considerable value, miniatures, fans, 
 etuis, notes, of which the ink, from time, had turned to a 
 light red, packages of letters of her various correspondents in 
 her days of hope and anticipation, down to those of solitude 
 and age. We looked over some of them, but they appeared 
 to both of us to be sacred, and they were, after a slight 
 examination, committed to the flames. 
 
 After we had examined all the apparent receptacles in 
 these cabinets, we took them up between us, and shook them, 
 and in most cases found out that there were secret drawers 
 containing other treasures. There was one packet of letters 
 which caught my eye, it was from a Miss De Benyon. I seized 
 it immediately, and showed the inscription to Mr. Cophagus. 
 ' Pooh nothing at all her mother was a De Benyon.' 
 
 ' Have you any objection to my looking at these letters ? ' 
 
 ' No read nothing in them.' 
 
 I laid them on one side, and we proceeded in our search, 
 when Mr. Cophagus took up a sealed packet. * Heh ! what's 
 this De Benyon again ? Japhet, look here.' 
 
 I took the packet ; it was sealed and tied with red tape. 
 ' Papers belonging to Lieutenant William de Benyon, to be 
 returned to him at my decease.' 'Alice Maitland, with great 
 care,' was written at the bottom of the envelope. 
 
 ' This is it, my dear sir,' cried I, jumping up and embracing 
 Mr. Cophagus ; ' these are the papers which I require. May 
 I keep them ? ' 
 
 * Mad quite mad go to Bedlam strait waistcoat head 
 shaved and so on.' 
 
 210 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII 
 
 I am not content with minding my own business, but must have a hand 
 in that of others, by which means I put my foot- in it. 
 
 HE then, after his own fashion, told me, that, as executor, he 
 must retain those papers ; pointed out to me the little prob- 
 ability there was of their containing any information relative 
 to my birth, even allowing that a person of the name of De 
 Benyon did call at the Foundling to ask for me, which was 
 only a supposition ; and, finally, overthrew all the hopes which 
 had been, for so many days, buoying me up. When he had 
 finished, I threw myself upon the sofa in despair, and wished, 
 at the moment, that I had never been born. Still hope again 
 rose uppermost, and I would have given all I possessed to 
 have been able to break open the seals of that packet, and 
 have read the contents. At one moment I was so frantic, 
 that I was debating whether I should not take them from Mr. 
 Cophagus by force, and run off with them. At last I rose, 
 and commenced reading the letters which I had put aside, 
 but there was nothing in them but the trifling communications 
 of two young women, who mentioned what was amusing to 
 them, but uninteresting to those who were not acquainted 
 with the parties. 
 
 When we had finished, Mr. Cophagus collected all 
 together, and putting them into a box, we returned in a coach 
 to the hotel. The next day Mr. Cophagus had completed all 
 his arrangements, and the day following had determined to 
 return to England. I walked with him down to the vessel, 
 and watched it for an hour after it had sailed, for it bore away 
 a packet of papers, which I could not help imagining were to 
 discover the secret which I was so eager in pursuit of. A 
 night's sleep made me more rational, and I now resolved to 
 ascertain where Sir Henry de Clare, or Melchior, as I felt 
 certain he must be, was to be found. I sent for the waiter, 
 and asked him if he could inform me. He immediately 
 replied in the affirmative, and gave his address, Mount Castle, 
 Connemara, asking me when I intended to set out. It did 
 not strike me till afterwards, that it was singular that he 
 
 211 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 should be so well acquainted with the address, and that he 
 should have produced a card with it written upon it ; or, 
 moreover, that he should know that it was my intention to go 
 there. I took the address, and desired that I might have 
 horses ready very early the next morning. I then sat down 
 and wrote a letter to Harcourt, informing him of my proceed- 
 ings, also one to Mr. Masterton much more explicit, lastly to 
 Timothy, to the care of Harcourt, requesting him to let me 
 know what had occurred between him and the gipsies. After 
 dinner, I packed up ready for my journey, and having settled 
 my bill, I was not sorry to retire to my bed. 
 
 At daylight I was, as I requested, called by the waiter ; 
 and taking with me only a very small portmanteau, having 
 left the rest of my effects in the charge of the people who 
 kept the hotel, I set off in a post-chaise on my expedition. 
 I was soon clear of the city, and on a fine smooth road, and, 
 as I threw myself back in the corner of the chaise, I could 
 not help asking myself the question what was the purport of 
 my journey ? As the reader will perceive, I was wholly 
 governed by impulses, and never allowed reason or common 
 sense to stand in the way of my feelings. * What have I to 
 do ? ' replied I to myself ; ' to find out if Melchior and Sir 
 Henry de Clare be not one and the same person. And what 
 then ? What then ? why then I may find out something 
 relative to Fleta's parentage. Nay, but is that likely if, as 
 you suppose, Melchior is Sir Henry de Clare if, as you 
 suppose, it is he who is now trying to find out and carry off 
 Fleta is it probable that you will gain any information from 
 him ? I have an idea that Fleta is the little girl said to have 
 died, who was the child of his elder brother. Why so ? 
 What interest could Melchior have in stealing his own niece ? 
 That I cannot tell. Why did Nattee give me the necklace ? 
 I cannot tell ; she would hardly betray her husband. At all 
 events, there is a mystery, and it can only be unravelled by 
 being pulled at ; and I may learn something by meeting 
 Melchior, whereas I shall learn nothing by remaining quiet.' 
 This last idea satisfied me ; and for many hours I remained 
 in a train of deep thought, only checked by paying for the 
 horses at the end of every stage. 
 
 It was now past twelve o'clock, when I found that it was 
 necessary to change the chaise at every post. The country 
 
 212 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 also, as well as the roads, had changed much for the worse. 
 Cultivation was not so great, the roads were mountainous, 
 and civilisation generally disappeared. It was nearly dark 
 when I arrived at the last post, from whence I was to take 
 horses to Mount Castle. As usual, the chaise also was to be 
 changed ; and I could not help observing that each change 
 was from bad to worse. Rope harness was used, and the 
 vehicles themselves were of the most crazy condition. Still I 
 had travelled very fairly ; for an Irish postilion knows how to 
 make an Irish horse go a very fair pace. I descended from 
 the chaise, and ordered another out immediately. To this 
 there was no reply, except, * Wait, your honour ; step in a 
 moment, and rest from your fatigue a little.' Presuming this 
 was merely to give them time to get ready, I walked into the 
 room of the inn, which indeed was very little better than a 
 hovel, and sat down by the turf fire in company with some 
 others, whom I could hardly distinguish for smoke. I paid 
 the chaise and postilion, and soon afterwards heard it drive 
 off, on its way back. After a few minutes I inquired if the 
 chaise was getting ready. 
 
 ' Is it the chaise your honour means ?' said 'the landlady. 
 
 ' Yes,' replied I ; ' a chaise on to Mount Castle.' 
 
 ' Then I am sorry that your honour must wait a little ; for 
 our chaise, and the only one which we have, is gone to the 
 castle, and won't be back till long after the moon is up. 
 What will your honour please to take ? ' 
 
 ' Not back till moonlight ! ' replied I ; ' why did you not 
 say so ? and I would have gone on with the other.' 
 
 ' Is it with the other you mane, your honour ? Then if 
 Teddy Driscoll could make his horses go one step farther than 
 our door, may I never have a soul to be saved. Will your 
 honour please to sit in the little room ? Kathleen shall light 
 a fire.' 
 
 Vexed as I was with the idea of passing the night in this 
 horrid place, there was no help for it ; so I took up my 
 portmanteau, and followed the landlady to a small room, if it 
 deserved the appellation, which had been built after the 
 cottage, and a door broken through the wall into it. Ceiling 
 there was none ; it had only lean-to rafters, with tiles over- 
 head. I took a seat on the only stool that was in the room, 
 and leant my elbow on the table in no very pleasant humour, 
 
 213 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 when I heard the girl say, 'And why don't you let him go on 
 to the castle ? Sure the chaise is in the yard, and the horses 
 are in the stable. 3 
 
 ' There's orders 'gainst it, Kathleen,' replied the landlady. 
 'Mr. M'Dermott was here this blessed day, and who can 
 deny him ? ' 
 
 ' Who is he, then ? ' replied the girl. 
 
 ' An attorney with a warrant against Sir Henry ; and, 
 moreover, they say that he's coming to 'strain upon the cattle 
 of Jerry O'Toole for the tithes.' 
 
 ' He's a bould young chap, at all events,' replied the girl, 
 ' to come here all by himself.' 
 
 ' Oh ! but it's not till to-morrow morning, and then we'll 
 have the troops here to assist him.' 
 
 ' And does Jerry O'Toole know of this ? ' 
 
 ' Sure enough he does ; and I hope there'll be no murder 
 committed in my house this blessed night. But what can a 
 poor widow do when M'Dermott holds up his finger? Now, 
 go light the fire, Kathleen, and see if the poor young man 
 wants anything ; it's a burning pity that he shouldn't have 
 something to comfort him before his misfortunes fall upon 
 him.' 
 
 Kathleen made no reply. The horror that I felt at this 
 discourse may easily be imagined. That it was intended 
 that I should meet with foul play was certain, and I knew 
 very well that, in such a desolate part of the country, the 
 murder of an individual, totally unknown, would hardly be 
 noticed. That I had been held up to the resentment of the 
 inhabitants as a tithe-collector, and an attorney with a warrant, 
 was quite sufficient, I felt conscious, to induce them to make 
 away with me. How to undeceive them was the difficulty. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV 
 
 No hopes of rising next morning alive As a last chance, I get into bed. 
 
 KATHLEEN came in with fuel to light the fire, and looking 
 rather hard at me, passed by, and was soon busy blowing up 
 the turf. She was a very handsome dark-eyed girl, about 
 
 214 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 nineteen years of age, stout, and well made. * What is your 
 name ?' said I. 
 
 ' " What is your name ? " said /.' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 ' Kathleen, at your service, sir.' 
 
 1 Listen to me, Kathleen,' said I, in a low voice. ' You 
 are a woman, and all women are kind-hearted. I have over- 
 
 2I 5 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 heard all that passed between your mistress and you, and that 
 M'Dermott has stated that I am a tithe -collector, and an 
 attorney with a warrant. I am no such thing. I am a 
 gentleman who wishes to speak to Sir Henry de Clare on a 
 business which he does not like to be spoken to about ; and 
 to show you what I say is the truth, it is about the daughter 
 of his elder brother, who was killed when hunting, and who is 
 supposed to be dead. I am the only evidence to the contrary ; 
 and, therefore, he and M'Dermott have spread this report that 
 I may come to harm.' 
 
 1 Is she alive, then ?' replied Kathleen, looking up to me 
 with wonder. 
 
 ' Yes ; and I will not tell Sir Henry where she is, and that 
 is the reason of their enmity.' 
 
 * But I saw her body,' replied the girl in a low voice, stand- 
 ing up, and coming close to me. 
 
 ' It was not hers, depend upon it,' replied I, hardly know- 
 ing what to answer to this assertion. 
 
 * At all events, it was dressed in her clothes ; but it was so 
 long before it was discovered, that we could make nothing of 
 the features. Well, I knew the poor little thing, for my 
 mother nursed her. I was myself brought up at the castle, 
 and lived there till after Sir William was killed ; then we were 
 all sent away.' 
 
 Kathleen ! Kathleen !' cried the landlady. 
 ' Call for everything you can think of one after another,' 
 whispered Kathleen, leaving the room. 
 
 * I cannot make the peat burn,' said she to the landlady, 
 after she had quitted the little room ; * and the gentleman 
 wants some whisky.' 
 
 ' Go out then, and get some from the middle of the stack, 
 Kathleen, and be quick ; we have others to attend besides the 
 tithe-proctor. There's the O'Tooles all come in, and your 
 own Corny is with them.' 
 
 ' My Corny, indeed !' replied Kathleen ; ' he's not quite so 
 sure of that.' 
 
 In a short time Kathleen returned, and brought some dry 
 peat and a measure of whisky. * If what you say is true,' 
 said Kathleen, ' and sure enough you're no Irish, and very 
 young for a tithe-proctor, who must grow old before he can 
 be such a villain, you are in no very pleasant way. The 
 
 216 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 O'Tooles are here, and I've an idea they mean no good ; for 
 they sit with all their heads together, whispering to each 
 other, and all their shillelaghs by their sides.' 
 
 ' Tell me, Kathleen, was the daughter of Sir William a 
 fair-haired, blue-eyed girl ?' 
 
 ' To be sure she was,' replied Kathleen, * and like a little 
 mountain fairy. 3 
 
 1 Now, Kathleen, tell me if you recollect if the little girl or 
 her mother ever wore a necklace of red beads mixed with 
 gold.' 
 
 ' Yes, that my lady did ; and it was on the child's neck 
 when it was lost, and when the body was found it was not 
 with it. Well I recollect that, for my mother said the child 
 must have been drowned or murdered for the sake of the gold 
 beads.' 
 
 * Then you have proved all I wished, Kathleen ; and now I 
 tell you that this little girl is alive, and that I can produce the 
 necklace which was lost with her ; and more, that she was 
 taken away by Sir Henry himself.' 
 
 ' Merciful Jesus ! ' replied Kathleen ; ' the dear little child 
 that we cried over so much.' 
 
 * But now, Kathleen, I have told you this, to prove to you 
 that I am not what M'Dermott has asserted, no doubt, with 
 the intention that my brains shall be knocked out this night.' 
 
 * And so they will, sure enough,' replied Kathleen, * if you 
 do not escape.' 
 
 ' But how am I to escape ? and will you assist me ?' And 
 I laid down on the table ten guineas from my purse. ' Take 
 that, Kathleen, and it will help you and Corny. Now will 
 you assist me ?' 
 
 ' It's Corny that will be the first to knock your brains out,' 
 replied Kathleen, ' unless I can stop him. I must go now, 
 and I'll see what can be done.' 
 
 Kathleen would have departed without touching the gold ; 
 but I caught her by the wrist, collected it, and put it into her 
 hand. ' That's not like a tithe-proctor, at all events,' replied 
 Kathleen ; ' but my heart aches and my head swims, and 
 what's to be done I know not.' So saying, Kathleen quitted 
 the room. 
 
 ' Well,' thought I, after she had left the room, at all 
 events, I have not been on a wrong scent this time. Kath- 
 
 217 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 leen has proved to me that Fleta is the daughter of the late 
 Sir William ; and if I escape this snare, Melchior shall do her 
 justice.' Pleased with my having so identified Melchior and 
 Fleta, I fell into a train of thought, and for the first time for- 
 got my perilous situation ; but I was roused from my medita- 
 tions by an exclamation from Kathleen. ' No, no, Corny, nor 
 any of ye not now and mother and me to witness it it 
 shall not be. Corny, hear me, as sure as blood's drawn, and 
 we up to see it, so sure does Corny O'Toole never touch this 
 hand of mine.' A pause, and whispering followed, and again 
 all appeared to be quiet. I unstrapped my portmanteau, took 
 out my pistols, which were loaded, re-primed them, and re- 
 mained quiet, determined to sell my life as dearly as possible. 
 
 It was more than half an hour before Kathleen returned ; 
 she looked pale and agitated. * Keep quiet, and do not think 
 of resistance,' said she ; ' it is useless. I have told my 
 mother all, and she believes you, and will risk her life to save 
 him who has watched over the little girl whom she nursed ; 
 but keep quiet, we shall soon have them all out of the house. 
 Corny dare not disobey me, and he will persuade the others.' 
 
 She then went out again, and did not return for nearly an 
 hour, when she was accompanied by her mother. ( Kathleen 
 has told me all, young sir,' said she, ' and do what we can, 
 we will ; but we hardly know what to do. To go to the 
 castle would be madness.' 
 
 * Yes,' replied I : ' but cannot you give me one of your 
 horses to return the way I came ? ' 
 
 ' That was our intention ; but I find that the O'Tooles 
 have taken them all out of the stable to prevent me ; and the 
 house is watched. They will come at midnight and attack 
 us, that I fully expect, and how to conceal you puzzles my 
 poor head.' 
 
 * If they come, we can but persuade them that he has 
 escaped,' replied Kathleen ; ' they will no longer watch the 
 house, and he will then have some chance.' 
 
 'There is but one chance,' replied the mother, who took 
 Kathleen aside, and whispered to her. Kathleen coloured to 
 the forehead, and made no reply. ' If your mother bids you, 
 Kathleen, there can be no harm.' 
 
 ' Yes ; but if Corny was ' 
 
 ' He dare not,' replied the mother ; ' and now put this 
 218 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 light out, and do you get into bed, sir, with your clothes on.' 
 They led me to a small bed-room, a miserable affair ; but in 
 that part of the country considered respectable. ' Lie down 
 there,' said the mother, ' and wait till we call you.' They 
 took the light away, and left me to my myself and my own 
 reflections, which were anything but pleasant. I lay awake, 
 it might be for two hours, when I heard the sound of feet, 
 and then a whispering under the window, and shortly after- 
 wards a loud knocking at the door, which they were attempt- 
 ing to burst open. Every moment I expected that it would 
 yield to the violence which was made use of, when the 
 mother came down half dressed, with a light in her hand, 
 hastened to me, and desired me to follow her. I did so, and 
 before she left my room, she threw the window wide open. 
 She led me up a sort of half-stairs, half-ladder, to a small 
 room, where I found Kathleen sitting up in her bed, and 
 half-dressed. * O mother ! mother ! ' cried Kathleen. 
 
 ' I bid ye do it, child,' replied the mother, desiring me to 
 creep into her daughter's bed, and cover myself up on the 
 side next the wall. 
 
 * Let me put on more clothes, mother.' 
 
 e No, no, if you do, they will suspect, and will not hesitate 
 to search. Your mother bids you.' 
 
 The poor girl was burning with shame and confusion. 
 
 ' Nay,' replied I, * if Kathleen does not wish it, I will not 
 buy my safety at the expense of her feelings.' 
 
 ' Yes, yes,' replied Kathleen, * I don't mind now ; those 
 words of yours are sufficient. Come in, quick.' 
 
 CHAPTER XLV 
 
 Petticoat interest prevails, and I escape ; but I put my head into the 
 lion's den. 
 
 THERE was no time for apology, and stepping over Kathleen, 
 I buried myself under the clothes by her side. The mother 
 then hastened downstairs, and arrived at the door just as they 
 had succeeded in forcing it open, when in pounced a dozen 
 
 219 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 men armed, with their faces blackened. * Holy Jesus ! what 
 is it that you want ? ' screamed the landlady. 
 
 1 The blood of the tithe-proctor, and that's what we'll have,' 
 replied the OTooles. 
 
 4 Not in my house not in my house ! ' cried she. ' Take 
 him away, at all events ; promise me to take him away.' 
 
 * So we will, honey darlint ; we'll take him out of your sight, 
 and out of your hearing, too, only show us where he may be.' 
 
 ' He's sleeping,' replied the mother, pointing to the door of 
 the bed-room, where I had been lying down. 
 
 The party took the light from her hand, and went into the 
 room, where they perceived the bed empty and the window 
 open. * Devil a bit of a proctor here anyhow,' cried one of 
 them, ' and the window open. He's off hurrah ! my lads, he 
 can't be far. 3 
 
 'By the powers! it's just my opinion, Mrs. M 'Shane,' 
 replied the elder O'Toole, 'that he's not quite so far off; so 
 with your lave, or by your lave, or without your lave, we'll 
 just have a look over the premises.' 
 
 1 Oh, and welcome, Mister Jerry O'Toole : if you think I'm 
 the woman to hide a proctor, look everywhere just as you 
 please.' 
 
 The party, headed by Jerry O'Toole, who had taken the 
 light out of Mrs. M 'Shane's hand, now ascended the ladder 
 to the upper story, and as I lay by Kathleen, I felt that she 
 trembled with fear. After examining every nook and cranny 
 they could think of, they came to Mrs. M 'Shane's room ' Oh, 
 go in go in and look, Mr. O'Toole ; it's a very likely thing 
 to insinuate that I should have a tithe -proctor in my bed. 
 Search, pray,' and Mrs. M 'Shane led the way into her own 
 room. 
 
 Every part had been examined, except the small sleeping- 
 room of Kathleen ; and the party paused before the door. 
 ' We must search,' observed O'Toole, doggedly. 
 
 ' Search my daughter's ! very well, search if you please ; 
 it's a fine story you'll have to tell, how six great men pulled 
 a poor girl out of her bed to look for a tithe-proctor. It will 
 be a credit to you anyhow ; and you, Corny O'Toole, you'll 
 stand well in her good graces, when you come to talk about 
 the wedding-day ; and your wife that is to be, pulled out of 
 her bed by a dozen men. What will ye say to Kathleen, when 
 
 220 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 you affront her by supposing that a maiden girl has a tithe- 
 proctor in bed with her ? D'ye think that ye'll ever have the 
 mother's consent or blessing ? ' 
 
 ' No one goes into Kathleen's room,' cried Corny O'Toole, 
 roused by the sarcasms of Mrs. M 'Shane. 
 
 'Yes, Corny,' replied Mrs. M 'Shane, 'it's not for a woman 
 like me to be suspected, at all events ; so you, and you only, 
 shall go into the room, if that will content ye, Mr. Jerry 
 O'Toole.' 
 
 'Yes!' replied the party, and Mrs. M 'Shane opened the 
 door, 
 
 Kathleen rose up on her elbow, holding the bed-clothes up 
 to her throat, and looking at them, as they entered, said, ' O 
 Corny ! Corny ! this to me ? ' 
 
 Corny never thought of looking for anybody, his eyes were 
 riveted upon his sweetheart. ' Murder, Kathleen, is it my 
 fault ? Jerry will have it. 
 
 'Are you satisfied, Corny?' said Mrs. M 'Shane. 
 
 ' Sure enough I was satisfied before I came in, that Kath- 
 leen would not have any one in her bed-room,' replied Corny. 
 
 * Then good-night, Corny, and it's to-morrow that I'll talk 
 with ye,' replied Kathleen. 
 
 Mrs. M 'Shane then walked out of the room, expecting 
 Corny to follow ; but he could not restrain himself, and he 
 came to the bed-side. Fearful that if he put his arms round 
 her, he would feel me, Kathleen raised herself, and allowed 
 him to embrace her. Fortunately the light was not in the 
 room, or I should have been discovered, as in so doing she 
 threw the clothes off my head and shoulders. She then 
 pushed back Corny from her, and he left the room, shutting 
 the door after him. The party descended the ladder, and as 
 soon as Kathleen perceived that they were all down, she sprang 
 out of bed and ran into her mother's room. Soon after I 
 heard them depart. Mrs. M 'Shane made fast the door, and 
 came upstairs. She first went to her own room, where poor 
 Kathleen was crying bitterly from shame and excitement. I 
 had got up when she came into Kathleen's room for her 
 clothes, and, in about five minutes, they returned together. I 
 was sitting on the side of the bed when they came in : the 
 poor girl coloured up when our eyes met. ' Kathleen,' said I, 
 ' you have, in all probability, saved my life, and I cannot 
 
 221 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 express my thanks. I am only sorry that your modesty has 
 been put to so severe a trial.' 
 
 ' If Corny was to find it out,' replied Kathleen, sobbing 
 again. * How could I do such a thing ! ' 
 
 'Your mother bid you,' replied Mrs. M 'Shane, 'and that is 
 sufficient.' 
 
 * But what must you think of me, sir ? ' continued Kathleen. 
 ' I think that you have behaved most nobly. You have 
 
 saved an innocent man at the risk of your reputation, and the 
 loss of your lover. It is not now that I can prove my 
 gratitude.' 
 
 ' Yes, yes, promise me by all that's sacred, that you'll never 
 mention it. Surely you would not ruin one who has tried to 
 serve you.' 
 
 * I promise you that, and I hope to perform a great deal 
 more,' replied I. 'But now, Mrs. M'Shane, what is to be 
 done ? Remain here I cannot.' 
 
 ' No ; you must leave, and that very soon. Wait about 
 ten minutes more, and then they will give up their search and 
 
 go home. The road to E ' (the post I had lately come 
 
 from) ' is the best you can take ; and you must travel as fast 
 as you can, for there is no safety for you here.' 
 
 ' I am convinced that rascal M'Dermott will not leave me 
 till he has rid himself of me.' I then took out my purse, in 
 which I still had nearly twenty guineas. I took ten of them. 
 ' Mrs. M 'Shane, I must leave you in charge of my portmanteau, 
 which you may forward by and by, when you hear of my 
 safety. If I should not be so fortunate, the money is better 
 in your hands than in the hands of those who will murder me. 
 Kathleen, God bless you ! you are a good girl, and Corny 
 O'Toole will be a happy man if he knows your value.' 
 
 I then wished Kathleen good-bye, and she allowed me to 
 kiss her without any resistance ; but the tears were coursing 
 down her cheeks as I left the room with her mother. Mrs. 
 M 'Shane looked carefully out of the windows, holding the 
 light to ascertain if there was anybody near, and, satisfied 
 with her scrutiny, she then opened the door, and calling down 
 the saints to protect me, shook hands with me, and I quitted 
 the house. It was a dark cloudy night, and when I first went 
 out, I was obliged to grope, for I could distinguish nothing. 
 I walked along with a pistol loaded in each hand, and gained, 
 
 222 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 as I thought, the high road to E , but I made a sad mis- 
 take ; and puzzled by the utter darkness and turnings, I took, 
 on the contrary, the road to Mount Castle. As soon as I was 
 clear of the houses and the enclosure, there was more light, 
 and I could distinguish the road. I had proceeded about four 
 or five miles, when I heard the sound of horses' hoofs, and 
 shortly afterwards two men rode by me. I inquired if that 
 
 was the way to E . A pause ensued, and a whisper. 
 
 * All's right ! ' replied a deep voice. I continued my way, glad 
 to find that I had not mistaken it, and cogitating as to what 
 must be the purpose of two men being out at such an hour. 
 About ten minutes afterwards I thought I again heard the 
 sound of horses' feet, and it then occurred to me that they 
 must be highwaymen, who had returned to rob me. I cocked 
 my pistols, determined to sell my life as dearly as I could, and 
 awaited their coming up with anxiety ; but they appeared to 
 keep at the same distance, as the sound did not increase. 
 After half an hour I came to two roads, and was undecided 
 which to take. I stopped and listened the steps of the 
 horses were no longer to be heard. I looked round me to 
 ascertain if I could recognise any object so as to decide me, 
 but I could not. I took the road to the left, and proceeded, 
 until I arrived at a brook which crossed the road. There was 
 no bridge, and it was too dark to perceive the stepping-stones. 
 I had just waded about half-way across, when I received a 
 blow on the head from behind, which staggered me. I turned 
 round, but before I could see my assailant, a second blow laid 
 me senseless in the water. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI 
 
 Under ground, but not yet dead and buried The prospect anything but 
 pleasant. 
 
 WHEN my recollection returned I found myself in the dark, 
 but where, I knew not. My head ached, and my brain 
 reeled. I sat up for a moment to collect my senses, but the 
 effort was too painful I fell back, and remained in a state of 
 half- stupor. Gradually I recovered, and again sat up. I 
 
 223 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 perceived that I had been lying on a bed of straw, composed 
 of two or three trusses apparently. I felt with my extended 
 arms on each side of me, but touched nothing. I opened my 
 eyes, which I had closed again, and tried to pierce through 
 the obscurity, but in vain all was dark as Erebus. I then 
 rose on my feet, and extending my hands before me, walked 
 five or six steps on one side, till I was clear of the straw, and 
 came to a wall. I followed the wall about twenty feet, and 
 then touched wood ; groping about, I found it was a door. I 
 then made the circuit of the walls, and discovered that the 
 other side was built with bins for wine, which were empty, and 
 I then found myself again at the straw upon which I had been 
 laid. It was in a cellar no longer used but where ? Again 
 I lay down upon the straw, and, as it may be imagined, my 
 reflections were anything but pleasing. * Was I in the power 
 of M'Dermott or Melchior?' I felt convinced that I was; 
 but my head was too painful for long thought, and after half 
 an hour's reflection, I gave way to a sullen state of half- 
 dreaming, half-stupor, in which the forms of M'Dermott, 
 Kathleen, Melchior, and Fleta passed in succession before 
 me. How long I remained in this second species of trance I 
 cannot say, but I was roused by the light of a candle, which 
 flashed in my eyes. I started up, and beheld Melchior in 
 his gipsy's dress, just as when I had taken leave of him. 
 
 ( It is to you, then, that I am indebted for this treatment ? ' 
 replied I. 
 
 ' No, not to me,' replied Melchior. * I do not command 
 here ; but I knew you when they brought you in insensible, 
 and being employed in the castle, I have taken upon myself 
 the office of your gaoler, that I might, if possible, serve you.' 
 
 I felt, I knew this to be false, but a moment's reflection 
 told me that it was better at present to temporise. 
 
 ' Who then does the castle belong to, Melchior ? ' 
 
 'To Sir Henry de Clare.' 
 
 ' And what can be his object in treating me thus ? ' 
 
 ' That I can tell you, because I am a party concerned. 
 You remember the little girl, Fleta, who left the gipsy camp 
 with you she is now somewhere under your care ? ' 
 
 ' Well, I grant it ; but I was answerable only to you 
 about her.' 
 
 ' Very true, but I was answerable to Sir Henry ; and when 
 224 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I could only say that she was well, he was not satisfied, for 
 family reasons now make him very anxious that she should 
 return to him ; and, indeed, it will be for her advantage, as 
 she will in all probability be his heir, for he has satisfactorily 
 proved that she is a near relative.' 
 
 ' Grant all that, Melchior ; but why did not Sir Henry de 
 Clare write to me on the subject, and state his wishes, and 
 his right to demand his relative ? and why does he treat me 
 in this way? Another question how is it that he has 
 recognised me to be the party who has charge of the little 
 girl ? Answer me those questions, Melchior, and then I may 
 talk over the matter.' 
 
 ' I will answer the last question first. He knew your name 
 from me, and it so happened, that a friend of his met you in 
 the coach as you were coming to Ireland : the same person 
 also saw you at the post-house, and gave information. Sir 
 Henry, who is a violent man, and here has almost regal sway, 
 determined to detain you till you surrendered up the child. 
 You recollect, that you refused to tell his agent, the person 
 whose address I gave you, where she was to be found, and, 
 vexed at this, he has taken the law into his own hands.' 
 
 ' For which he shall smart, one of these days,' replied I, 
 ' if there is law in this country.' 
 
 ' There is a law in England, but very little, and none that 
 will harm Sir Henry in this part of the country. No officer 
 would venture within five miles of the castle, I can assure 
 you ; for he knows very well that it would cost him his life ; 
 and Sir Henry never quits it from one year's end to the other. 
 You are in his power, and all that he requires is information 
 where the child may be found, and an order for her being 
 delivered to him. You cannot object to this, as he is her 
 nearest relative. If you comply, I do not doubt but Sir 
 Henry will make you full amends for this harsh treatment, 
 and prove a sincere friend ever afterwards.' 
 
 ' It requires consideration,' replied I ; ' at present, I am 
 too much hurt to talk.' 
 
 ' I was afraid so,' replied Melchior ; ' that was one reason 
 why I obtained leave to speak to you. Wait a moment.' 
 
 Melchior then put the candle down on the ground, went out, 
 and turned the key. I found, on looking round, that I was right 
 in my conjectures. I was in a cellar, which, apparently, had 
 
 Q 32 5 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 long been in disuse. Melchior soon returned, followed by an 
 old crone, who carried a basket and a can of water. She 
 washed the blood off my head, put some salve upon the 
 wounds, and bound them up. She then went away, leaving 
 the basket. 
 
 ' She put some salve upon the wounds and bound them /. 
 
 4 There is something to eat and drink in that basket,' 
 observed Melchior ; ' but I think, Japhet, you will agree with 
 me, that it will be better to yield to the wishes of Sir Henry, 
 and not remain in this horrid hole. 3 
 
 ' Very true, Melchior,' replied I ; ' but allow me to ask you 
 226 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 a question or two. How came you here ? where is Nattee, 
 and how is it, that, after leaving the camp, I find you so 
 reduced in circumstances as to be serving such a man as Sir 
 Henry de Clare ? ' 
 
 ' A few words will explain that, 3 replied he. ' In my early 
 days I was wild, and I am, to tell you the truth, in the power 
 of this man ; nay, I will tell you honestly, my life is in his 
 power : he ordered me to come, and I dare not disobey him 
 and he retains me here.' 
 
 1 And Nattee ? ' 
 
 ' Is quite well, and with me, but not very happy in her 
 present situation ; but he is a dangerous, violent, implacable 
 man, and I dare not disobey him. I advise you, as a friend, 
 to consent to his wishes.' 
 
 'That requires some deliberation,' replied I, 'and I am 
 not one of those who are to be driven. My feelings towards 
 Sir Henry, after this treatment, are not the most amicable ; 
 besides, how am I to know that Fleta is his relative ? ' 
 
 ' Well, I can say no more, Japhet. I wish you well out 
 of his hands.' 
 
 'You have the power to help me, if that is the case,' 
 said I. 
 
 ' I dare not.' 
 
 'Then you are not the Melchior that you used to be,' 
 replied I. 
 
 ' We must submit to fate. I must not stay longer ; you 
 will find all that you want in the basket, and more candles, 
 if you do not like being in the dark. I do not think I shall 
 be permitted to come again, till to-morrow.' 
 
 Melchior then went out, locked the door after him, and 
 I was left to my meditations. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVII 
 
 A friend in need is a friend indeed The tables are turned, and so is 
 the key The issue is deep tragedy. 
 
 WAS it possible that which Melchior said was true ? A little 
 reflection told me that it was all false, and that he was 
 
 227 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 himself Sir Henry de Clare. I was in his power, and what 
 might be the result ? He might detain me, but he dare not 
 murder me. Dare not ! My heart sank when I considered 
 where I was, and how easy would it be for him to despatch 
 me, if so inclined, without any one ever being aware of my 
 fate. I lighted a whole candle, that I might not find myself 
 in the dark when I rose, and, exhausted in body and mind, 
 was soon fast asleep. I must have slept many hours, for 
 when I awoke I was in darkness the candle had burnt out. 
 I groped for the basket, and examined the contents with my 
 hands, and found a tinder-box. I struck a light, and then 
 feeling hungry and weak, refreshed myself with the eatables 
 it contained, which were excellent, as well as the wine. I 
 had replaced the remainder, when the key again turned in 
 the door, and Melchior made his appearance. 
 
 ' How do you feel, Japhet, to-day ? ' 
 
 ' To-day ! ' replied I ; day and night are the same to me.' 
 
 ' That is your own fault,' replied he. ' Have you con- 
 sidered what I proposed to you yesterday ? ' 
 
 1 Yes,' replied I ; ' and I will agree to this. Let Sir 
 Henry give me my liberty, come over to England, prove 
 his relationship to Fleta, and I will give her up. What can 
 he ask for more ? ' 
 
 ' He will hardly consent to that,' replied Melchior ; * for, 
 once in England, you will take a warrant out against him.' 
 
 1 No ; on my honour I will not, Melchior.' 
 
 ' He will not trust to that.' 
 
 ' Then he must judge of others by himself,' replied I. 
 
 ' Have you no other terms to propose ? ' replied Melchior. 
 
 < None.' 
 
 ' Then I will carry your message, and give you his answer 
 to-morrow.' 
 
 Melchior then brought in another basket, and took away 
 the former, and did not make his appearance till the next 
 day. I now had recovered my strength, and determined to 
 take some decided measures, but how to act I knew not. I 
 reflected all night, and the next morning (that is, according 
 to my supposition) I attacked the basket. Whether it was 
 that ennui or weakness occasioned it, I cannot tell, but either 
 way, I drank too much wine, and was ready for any daring 
 deed, when Melchior again opened the door. 
 
 228 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Sir Henry will not accept of your terms. I thought not,' 
 said Melchior : ' I am sorry very sorry.' 
 
 * Melchior, 5 replied I, starting up, ' let us have no more 
 of this duplicity. I am not quite so ignorant as you suppose. 
 I know who Fleta is, and who you are. 3 
 
 4 Indeed,' replied Melchior ; ' perhaps you will explain ! ' 
 
 1 1 will. You, Melchior, are Sir Henry de Clare ; you 
 succeeded to your estates by the death of your elder brother, 
 from a fall when hunting.' 
 
 Melchior appeared astonished. 
 
 'Indeed!' replied he; 'pray go on. You have made a 
 gentleman of me.' 
 
 * No ; rather a scoundrel.' 
 
 ' As you please ; now will you make a lady of Fleta ? ' 
 
 'Yes, I will. She is your niece.' Melchior started back. 
 'Your agent, M'Dermott, who was sent over to find out 
 Fleta's abode, met me in the coach, and he has tracked me 
 here, and risked my life, by telling the people that I was 
 a tithe-proctor.' 
 
 ' Your information is very important,' replied Melchior. 
 ' You will find some difficulty to prove all you say.' 
 
 ' Not the least,' replied I, flushed with anger and with 
 wine, ' I have proof positive. I have seen her mother, and 
 I can identify the child by the necklace which was on her 
 neck when you stole her.' 
 
 ' Necklace ! ' cried Melchior. 
 
 1 Yes, the necklace put into my hands by your own wife 
 when we parted.' 
 
 ' Damn her ! ' replied Melchior. 
 
 ' Do not damn her ; damn yourself for your villainy, and 
 its being brought to light. Have I said enough, or shall I 
 tell you more ? ' 
 
 ' Pray tell me more.' 
 
 ' No, I will not, for I must commit others, and that will 
 not do,' replied I ; for I felt I had already said too much. 
 
 'You have committed yourself, at all events,' replied 
 
 Melchior ; ' and now I tell you, that until never mind,' 
 
 and Melchior hastened away. 
 
 The door was again locked, and I was once more alone. 
 
 I had time to reflect upon my imprudence. The counte- 
 nance of Melchior, when he left me, was that of a demon. 
 
 229 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Something told me to prepare for death ; and I was not 
 wrong. The next day Melchior came not, nor the next : my 
 provisions were all gone. I had nothing but a little wine 
 and water left. The idea struck me, that I was to die of 
 starvation. Was there no means of escape ? None ; I had 
 no weapon, no tool, not even a knife. I had expended all 
 my candles. At last, it occurred to me, that, although I was 
 in a cellar, my voice might be heard, and I resolved, as a 
 last effort, to attempt it. I went to the door of the cellar, 
 and shouted at the top of my lungs, ' Murder murder ! J I 
 shouted again and again as loud as I could, until I was 
 exhausted. As it afterwards appeared, this plan did prevent 
 my being starved to death, for such was Melchior's villainous 
 intention. About an hour afterwards, I repeated my cries of 
 ' Murder murder ! ' and they were heard by the household, 
 who stated to Melchior, that there was some one shouting 
 murder in the vaults below. That night, and all the next 
 day, I repeated my cries occasionally. I was now quite 
 exhausted ; I had been nearly two days without food, and 
 my wine and water had all been drunk. I sat down with a 
 parched mouth and heated brain, waiting till I could sufficiently 
 recover my voice to repeat my cries, when I heard footsteps 
 approaching. The key was again turned in the door, and 
 a light appeared, carried by one of two men armed with large 
 sledge-hammers. 
 
 ' It is then all over with me,' cried I ; ' and I never shall 
 find out who is my father. Come on, murderers, and do 
 your work. Do it quickly. 3 
 
 The two men advanced without speaking a word ; the 
 foremost, who carried the lantern, laid it down at his feet, 
 and raised his hammer with both hands, when the other 
 behind him raised his weapon and the foremost fell dead 
 at his feet. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIII 
 
 Is full of perilous adventures, and in which, the reader may be assured, 
 there is much more than meets the eye. 
 
 ' SILENCE,' said a voice that I well knew, although his face 
 was completely disguised. It was Timothy ! ' Silence, 
 
 230 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Japhet,' again whispered Timothy ; * there is yet much danger, 
 but I will save you or die. Take the hammer. Melchior is 
 waiting outside.' Timothy put the lantern in the bin, so as to 
 render it more dark, and led me towards the door, whispering, 
 ' When he comes in, we will secure him.' 
 
 Melchior soon made his appearance ; and as he entered 
 the cellar, ' Is it all right ?' said he, going up to Timothy and 
 passing me. 
 
 With one blow I felled him to the ground, and he lay in- 
 sensible. * That will do,' replied Timothy ; ' now we must be 
 off.' 
 
 * Not till he takes my place,' replied I, as I shut the door 
 and locked it. 'Now he may learn what it is to starve to 
 death.' 
 
 I then followed Timothy, by a passage which led outside 
 of the castle, through which he and his companion had been 
 admitted. ' Our horses are close by,' said Timothy ; < for we 
 stipulated upon leaving the country after it was done.' 
 
 It was just dark when we were safe out of the castle. We 
 mounted our horses, and set off with all speed. We followed 
 the high road to the post town to which I had been conveyed, 
 and I determined to pull up at Mrs. M 'Shane's, for I was so 
 exhausted that I could go no further. This was a measure 
 which required precaution ; and as there was moonlight, I 
 turned off the road before I entered the town, or village, as it 
 ought to have been called, so that we dismounted at the back 
 of Mrs. M 'Shane's house. I went to the window of the bed- 
 room where I had lain down, and tapped gently, again and 
 again, and no answer. At last, Kathleen made her appearance. 
 
 ' Can I come in, Kathleen ?' said I ; ' I am almost dead 
 with fatigue and exhaustion,' 
 
 * Yes,' replied she, ' I will open the back-door ; there is no 
 one here to-night it is too early for them.' 
 
 I entered, followed by Timothy, and, as I stepped over the 
 threshold, I fainted. As soon as I recovered, Mrs. M 'Shane 
 led me upstairs into her room for security, and I was soon 
 able to take the refreshment I so much required. I stated 
 what had passed to Mrs. M 'Shane and Kathleen, who were 
 much shocked at the account. 
 
 * You had better wait till it is late, before you go on,' said 
 Mrs. M 'Shane, ' it will be more safe ; it is now nine o'clock, 
 
 231 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 and the people will all be moving till eleven. I will give your 
 horses some corn, and when you are five miles from here, you 
 may consider yourselves as safe. Holy saints ! what an escape !' 
 The advice was too good not to be followed ; and I was so 
 exhausted, that I was glad that prudence was on the side of 
 repose. I lay down on Mrs. M 'Shane's bed, while Timothy 
 watched over me. I had a short slumber, and then was 
 awakened by the good landlady, who told me that it was time 
 for us to quit. Kathleen then came up to me, and said, ' I 
 would ask a favour of you, sir, and I hope you will not refuse 
 it.' 
 
 * Kathleen, you may ask anything of me, and depend upon 
 it, I will not refuse it, if I can grant it.' 
 
 ' Then, sir,' replied the good girl, ' you know how I over- 
 came my feelings to serve you, will you overcome yours for 
 me ? I cannot bear the idea that any one, bad as he may be, 
 of the family who have reared me, should perish in so miser- 
 able a manner ; and I cannot bear that any man, bad as he 
 is, even if I did not feel obliged to him, should die so full of 
 guilt, and without absolution. Will you let me have the key, 
 that Sir Henry de Clare may be released after you are safe 
 and away ? I know he does not deserve any kindness from 
 you ; but it is a horrid death, and a horrid thing to die so 
 loaded with crime.' 
 
 ' Kathleen,' replied I, 'I will keep my word with you. 
 Here is the key ; take it up to-morrow morning, and give it to 
 Lady de Clare ; tell her Japhet Newland sent it. 3 
 
 ( I will, and God bless you, sir.' 
 
 ' Good-bye, sir,' said Mrs. M 'Shane : ' you have no time to 
 lose.' 
 
 ' God bless you, sir,' said Kathleen, who now put her 
 arms round me, and kissed me. We mounted our horses and 
 set off. 
 
 We pressed our horses, or rather ponies, for they were 
 very small, till we had gained about six miles, when we con- 
 sidered that we were, comparatively speaking, safe, and then 
 drew up, to allow them to recover their wind. I was very 
 much exhausted myself, and hardly spoke one word until 
 we arrived at the next post town, when we found everybody 
 in 'bed. We contrived, however, to knock them up ; and 
 Timothy having seen that our horses were put into the stable, 
 
 232 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 we lay down till the next morning upon a bed which 
 happened to be unoccupied. Sorry as were the accommoda- 
 tions, I never slept so soundly, and woke quite refreshed. 
 The next morning I stated my intention of posting to Dublin, 
 and asked Tim what we should do with the horses. 
 
 ' They belong to the castle, 3 replied he. 
 
 Then, in God's name, let the castle have them, for I wish 
 for nothing from that horrid place.' 
 
 We stated to the landlord that the horses were to be sent 
 back, and that the man who took them would be paid for his 
 trouble ; and then it occurred to me, that it would be a good 
 opportunity of writing to Melchior, alias Sir Henry. I do 
 not know why, but certainly my animosity against him had 
 subsided, and I did not think of taking legal measures against 
 him. I thought it, however, right to frighten him. I wrote, 
 therefore, as follows : 
 
 SIR HENRY I send you back your horses with thanks, 
 as they have enabled Timothy and me to escape from your 
 clutches. Your reputation and your life now are in my 
 power, and I will have ample revenge. The fact of your in- 
 tending murder will be fully proved by my friend Timothy, 
 who was employed by you in disguise, and accompanied your 
 gipsy. You cannot escape the sentence of the law. Prepare 
 yourself, then, for the worst, as it is not my intention that you 
 shall escape the disgraceful punishment due to your crimes. 
 Yours, JAPHET NEWLAND.' 
 
 Having sealed this, and given it to the lad who was to 
 return with the horses, we finished our breakfast, and took a 
 post-chaise on for Dublin, where we arrived late in the even- 
 ing. During our journey I requested Timothy to narrate 
 what had passed, and by what fortunate chance he had been 
 able to come so opportunely to my rescue. 
 
 ' If you recollect, Japhet,' replied Timothy, * you had 
 received one or two letters from me relative to the movements 
 of the gipsy, and stating his intention to carry off the little 
 girl from the boarding-school. My last letter, in which I had 
 informed you that he had succeeded in gaining an entrance 
 into the ladies' school at Brentford, could not have reached 
 you, as I found by your note that you had set off the same 
 
 233 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 evening. The gipsy, whom I only knew by the name of 
 inquired of me the name by which the little girl was known, 
 and my answer was, Smith ; as I took it for granted that, in a 
 
 ' The maid-servant to -whom he paid his addresses? 
 
 large seminary, there must be one, if not more, of that name. 
 Acting upon this, he made inquiries of the maid-servant to 
 whom he paid his addresses, and made very handsome pre- 
 234 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 sents, if there was a Miss Smith in the school ; she replied, 
 that there were two, one a young lady of sixteen, and the 
 other about twelve years old. Of course the one selected was 
 the younger. Will had seen me in my livery, and his plan 
 was to obtain a similar one, hire a chariot, and go down to 
 Brentford, with a request that Miss Smith might be sent up 
 with him immediately, as you were so ill that you were not 
 expected to live ; but previous to his taking this step, he 
 wrote to Melchior, requesting his orders as to how he was to 
 proceed when he had obtained the child. The answer from 
 Melchior arrived. By this time, he had discovered that you 
 were in Ireland, and intended to visit him ; perhaps he had 
 you in confinement, for I do not know how long you were 
 there, but the answer desired Will to come over immediately, 
 as there would be in all probability work for him, that would 
 be well paid for. He had now become so intimate with me, 
 that he disguised nothing : he showed me the letter, and I 
 asked him what it meant ; he replied that there was some- 
 body to put out of the way, that was clear. It immediately 
 struck me, that you must be the person, if such was the case, 
 and I volunteered to go with him, to which, after some diffi- 
 culty, he consented. We travelled outside the mail, and in 
 four days we arrived at the castle. Will went up to Melchior, 
 who told him what it was that he required. Will consented, 
 and then stated he had another hand with him, which might 
 be necessary, vouching for my doing anything that was 
 required. Melchior sent for me, and I certainly was afraid 
 that he would discover me, but my disguise was too good. I 
 had prepared for it still further, by wearing a wig of light 
 hair ; he asked me some questions, and I replied in a surly, 
 dogged tone, which satisfied him. The reward was two 
 hundred pounds, to be shared between us ; and, as it was 
 considered advisable that we should not be seen after the 
 affair was over, by the people about the place, we had the 
 horses provided for us. The rest you well know. I was 
 willing to make sure that it was you before I struck the 
 scoundrel, and the first glimpse from the lantern, and your 
 voice, convinced me. Thank God, Japhet, but I have been of 
 some use to you, at all events.' 
 
 ' My dear Tim, you have, indeed, and you know me too 
 well to think I shall ever forget it ; but now I must first 
 
 235 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ascertain where the will of the late Sir William is to be found. 
 We can read it for a shilling, and then I may discover what 
 are the grounds of Melchior's conduct, for, to me, it is still 
 inexplicable.' 
 
 * Are wills made in Ireland registered here, or at Doctors' 
 Commons in London ?' 
 
 ' In Dublin, I should imagine.' 
 
 But on my arrival in Dublin I felt so ill, that I was obliged 
 to retire to bed, and before morning I was in a violent fever. 
 Medical assistance was sent for, and I was nursed by Timothy 
 with the greatest care, but it was ten days before I could quit my 
 bed. For the first time, I was sitting in an easy-chair by the 
 fire, when Timothy came in with the little portmanteau I had 
 left in the care of Mrs. M 'Shane. 'Open it, Timothy,' said I, 
 ' and see if there be anything in the way of a note from them.' 
 Timothy opened the portmanteau, and produced one, which was 
 lying on the top. It was from Kathleen, and as follows : 
 
 ' DEAR SIR They say there is terrible work at the castle, 
 and that Sir Henry has blown out his brains, or cut his throat, 
 I don't know which. Mr. M'Dermott passed in a great hurry, 
 but said nothing to anybody here. I will send you word of 
 what has taken place as soon as I can. The morning after 
 you went away, I walked up to the castle and gave the key to 
 the lady, who appeared in a great fright at Sir Henry not 
 having been seen for so long a while. They wished to detain me 
 after they had found him in the cellar with the dead man, but 
 after two hours I was desired to go away, and hold my tongue. 
 It was after the horses went back that Sir Henry is said to have 
 destroyed himself. I went up to the castle, but M'Dermott 
 had given orders for no one to be let in on any account. 
 
 ' Yours, 
 
 ' KATHLEEN M 'SHANE.' 
 
 'This is news, indeed,' said I, handing the letter to 
 Timothy. ' It must have been my threatening letter which has 
 driven him to this mad act' 
 
 4 Very likely,' replied Timothy ; ' but it was the best thing 
 the scoundrel could do, after all.' 
 
 ' The letter was not, however, written with that intention. 
 I wished to frighten him, and have justice done to little Fleta 
 poor child ! how glad I shall be to see her ! ' 
 
 236 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX 
 
 Another investigation relative to a child, which, in the same way as the 
 former one, ends by the lady going off in a fit. 
 
 THE next day the newspapers contained a paragraph, in which 
 Sir Henry de Clare was stated to have committed suicide. 
 No reason could be assigned for this rash act, was the winding 
 up of the intelligence. I also received another letter from 
 Kathleen M 'Shane, confirming the previous accounts : her 
 mother had been sent for to assist in laying out the body. 
 There was now no further doubt, and as soon as I could 
 venture out, I hastened to the proper office, where I read the 
 will of the late Sir William. It was very short, merely 
 disposing of his personal property to his wife, and a few 
 legacies ; for, as I discovered, only a small portion of the 
 estates were entailed with the title, and the remainder was not 
 only to the heirs male, but the eldest female, should there be 
 no male heir, with the proviso, that should she marry, the 
 husband was to take upon himself the name of De Clare. 
 Here, then, was the mystery explained, and why Melchior had 
 stolen away his brother's child. Satisfied with my discovery, 
 I determined to leave for England immediately, find out the 
 Dowager-Lady de Clare, and put the whole case into the hands 
 of Mr. Masterton. Fortunately, Timothy had money with 
 him sufficient to pay all expenses, and take us to London, or I 
 should have been obliged to wait for remittances, as mine was 
 all expended before I arrived at Dublin. We arrived safe, and 
 I immediately proceeded to my house, where I found Harcourt, 
 who had been in great anxiety about me. The next morning 
 I went to my old legal friend, to whom I communicated all 
 that had happened. 
 
 'Well done, Newland,' replied he, after I had finished. 
 ' I'll bet ten to one that you find out your father. Your life 
 already would not make a bad novel. If you continue your 
 hair-breadth adventures in this way, it will be quite interesting.' 
 
 ' Although satisfied in my own mind that I had discovered 
 Fleta's parentage, and anxious to impart the joyful intelligence, 
 I resolved not to see her until everything should be satisfac- 
 
 237 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 torily arranged. The residence of the Dowager-Lady de Clare 
 was soon discovered by Mr. Masterton : it was at Richmond, 
 and thither he and I proceeded. We were ushered into the 
 drawing-room, and, to my delight, upon her entrance, I 
 perceived that it was the same beautiful person in whose ears I 
 had seen the coral and gold earrings matching the necklace 
 belonging to Fleta. I considered it better to allow Mr. 
 Masterton to break the subject. 
 
 ' You are, madam, the widow of the late Sir William de 
 Clare.' The lady bowed. ' You will excuse me, madam, but 
 I have most important reasons for asking you a few questions, 
 which otherwise may appear to be intrusive. Are you aware 
 of the death of his brother, Sir Henry de Clare ?' 
 
 ' Indeed I was not,' replied she. ' I seldom look at a paper, 
 and I have long ceased to correspond with any one in Ireland. 
 May I ask you what occasioned his death ? ' 
 
 ' He fell by his own hands, madam.' 
 
 Lady de Clare covered up her face. ' God forgive him ! ' 
 said she, in a low voice. 
 
 * Lady de Clare, upon what terms were your husband and 
 the late Sir Henry ? It is important to know.' 
 
 'Not on the very best, sir. Indeed, latterly, for years, 
 they never met or spoke : we did not know what had become 
 of him.' 
 
 ' Were there any grounds for ill-will ? ' 
 
 ' Many, sir, on the part of the elder brother ; but none on 
 that of Sir Henry, who was treated with every kindness, until 
 he -' Lady de Clare stopped * until he behaved very ill 
 to him.' 
 
 As we afterwards discovered, Henry de Clare had squandered 
 away the small portion left him by his father, and had ever 
 after that been liberally supplied by his eldest brother, until he 
 had attempted to seduce Lady de Clare, upon which he was 
 dismissed for ever. 
 
 'And now, madam, I must revert to a painful subject. 
 You had a daughter by your marriage ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied the lady, with a deep sigh. 
 
 * How did you lose her ? Pray do not think I am creating 
 this distress on your part without strong reasons.' 
 
 ' She was playing in the garden, and the nurse, who 
 thought it rather cold, ran in for a minute to get a handkerchief 
 
 238 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to tie round her neck. When the nurse returned, the child 
 had disappeared.' Lady de Clare put her handkerchief up to 
 her eyes. 
 
 ' Where did you find her afterwards ? ' 
 
 * It was not until three weeks afterwards that her body was 
 found in a pond about a quarter of a mile off.' 
 
 ' Did the nurse not seek her when she discovered that she 
 was not in the garden ? ' 
 
 ' She did, and immediately ran in that direction. It is 
 quite strange that the child could have got so far without the 
 nurse perceiving her.' 
 
 ' How long is it ago ?' 
 
 ' It is now nine years.' 
 
 And the age of the child at the time ? J 
 
 1 About six years old.' 
 
 ' I think, Newland, you may now speak to Lady de Clare.' 
 
 ' Lady de Clare, have you not a pair of earrings of coral 
 and gold of very remarkable workmanship ? ' 
 
 ' I have, sir,' replied she, with surprise. 
 
 ' Had you not a necklace of the same ? and if so, will you 
 do me the favour to examine this ? ' I presented the neck- 
 lace. 
 
 ' Merciful heaven ! ' cried Lady de Clare, * it is the very 
 necklace ! it was on my poor Cecilia when she was drowned, 
 and it was not found with the body. How came it into your 
 possession, sir ? At one time,' continued Lady de Clare, 
 weeping, ' I thought that it was possible that the temptation 
 of the necklace, which has a great deal of gold in it, must, as 
 it was not found on her corpse, have been an inducement for 
 the gipsies, who were in the neighbourhood, to drown her ; 
 but Sir William would not believe it, rather supposing that in 
 her struggles in the water she must have broken it, and that 
 it had thus been detached from her neck. Is it to return this 
 unfortunate necklace that you have come here ? ' 
 
 ' No, madam, not altogether. Had you two white ponies 
 at the time ? ' 
 
 'Yes, sir.' 
 
 ' Was there a mulberry tree in the garden ? ' 
 
 * Yes, sir,' replied the astonished lady. 
 
 ' Will you do me the favour to describe the appearance of 
 your child as she was at the time that you lost her ? ' 
 
 239 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' She was but all mothers are partial, and perhaps I may 
 also be so a very fair, lovely little girl. 3 
 
 ' With light hair, I presume ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, sir. But why these questions ? Surely you cannot 
 ask them for nothing,' continued she hurriedly. ' Tell me, 
 sir, why all these questions ? ' 
 
 Mr. Masterton replied, 'Because, madam, we have some 
 hopes that you have been deceived, and that it is possible that 
 your daughter was not drowned.' 
 
 Lady de Clare, breathless and her mouth open, fixed her 
 eyes upon Mr. Masterton, and exclaimed, ' Not drowned ! 
 O my God ! my head ! ' and then she fell back insensible. 
 
 * I have been too precipitate,' said Mr. Masterton, going 
 to her assistance; 'but joy does not kill. Ring for some 
 water, Japhet.' 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 In which, if the reader does not sympathise with the parties, he had 
 better shut the book. 
 
 IN a few minutes Lady de Clare was sufficiently recovered to 
 hear the outline of our history ; and as soon as it was over, 
 she insisted upon immediately going with us to the school 
 where Fleta was domiciled, as she could ascertain, by several 
 marks known but to a nurse or mother, if more evidence was 
 required, whether Fleta was her child or not. To allow her 
 to remain in such a state of anxiety was impossible, Mr. 
 
 Masterton agreed, and we posted to , where we arrived 
 
 in the evening. * Now, gentlemen, leave me but one minute 
 with the child, and when I ring the bell, you may enter. 5 
 Lady de Clare was in so nervous and agitated a state, that 
 she could not walk into the parlour without assistance. We 
 led her to a chair, and in a minute Fleta was called down. 
 Perceiving me in the passage, she ran to me. ' Stop, my 
 dear Fleta, there is a lady in the parlour, who wishes to see 
 you.' 
 
 ' A lady, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, my dear, go in.' 
 
 Fleta obeyed, and in a minute we heard a scream, and 
 240 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Fleta hastily opened the door, ' Quick ! quick ! the lady has 
 fallen down.' 
 
 We ran in and found Lady de Clare on the floor, and it 
 was some time before she returned to her senses. As soon as 
 she did, she fell down on her knees, holding up her hands as 
 
 'My child! my long-lost child!' 
 
 in prayer, and then stretched her arms out to Fleta. ' My 
 child ! my long-lost child ! it is it is, indeed ! ' A flood of 
 tears poured forth on Fleta's neck relieved her, and we then 
 left them together ; old Masterton observing, as we took our 
 seats in the back parlour, * By G , Japhet, you deserve to 
 find your own father ! ' 
 
 R 241 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 In about an hour Lady de Clare requested to see us. 
 Fleta rushed into my arms and sobbed, while her mother 
 apologised to Mr. Masterton for the delay and excusable 
 neglect towards him. ' Mr. Newland, madam, is the person to 
 whom you are indebted for your present happiness. I will now 
 if you please, take my leave, and will call upon you to-morrow. 3 
 
 ' I will not detain you, Mr. Masterton ; but Mr. Newland 
 will, I trust, come home with Cecilia and me ; I have much 
 to ask of him.' I consented, and Mr. Masterton went back 
 to town ; I went to the principal hotel to order a chaise and 
 horses, while Fleta packed up her wardrobe. 
 
 In half an hour we set off, and it was midnight before we 
 arrived at Richmond. During my journey I narrated to 
 Lady de Clare every particular of our meeting with Fleta. 
 We were all glad to go to bed } and the kind manner in which 
 Lady de Clare wished me good-night, with ' God bless you, 
 Mr. Newland ! ' brought the tears into my eyes. 
 
 I breakfasted alone the next morning, Lady de Clare and 
 her daughter remaining upstairs. It was nearly twelve o'clock 
 when they made their appearance, both so apparently happy, 
 that I could not help thinking, ' When shall I have such 
 pleasure when shall I find out who is my father?' My 
 brow was clouded as the thought entered my mind, when 
 Lady de Clare requested that I would inform her who it was 
 to whom she and her daughter were under such eternal 
 obligations. I had then to relate my own eventful history, 
 most of which was as new to Cecilia (as she now must be 
 called) as it was to her mother. I had just terminated the 
 escape from the castle, when Mr. Masterton's carriage drove 
 up to the door. As soon as he had bowed to Lady de Clare, 
 he said to me, * Japhet, here is a letter directed to you, to my 
 care, from Ireland, which I have brought for you.' 
 
 ' It is from Kathleen M 'Shane, sir,' replied I, and request- 
 ing leave, I broke the seal. It contained another. I read 
 Kathleen's, and then hastily opened the other. It was from 
 Nattde, or Lady H. de Clare, and ran as follows : 
 
 * JAPHET NEWLAND Fleta is the daughter of Sir William 
 de Clare. Dearly has my husband paid for his act of folly 
 and wickedness, and to which you must know I never was a 
 party Yours, NATTEE.' 
 
 242 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 The letter from Kathleen added more strange information. 
 Lady de Clare, after the funeral of her husband, had sent for 
 the steward, made every necessary arrangement, discharged 
 the servants, and then had herself disappeared, no one knew 
 whither ; but it was reported that somebody very much 
 resembling her had been seen travelling south in company 
 with a gang of gipsies. I handed both letters over to Lady 
 de Clare and Mr. Masterton. 
 
 ' Poor Lady de Clare ! ' observed the mother. 
 
 ' Nattee will never leave her tribe, 3 observed Cecilia 
 quietly. 
 
 ' You are right, my dear,' replied I. ' She will be happier 
 with her tribe, where she commands as a queen, than ever she 
 was at the castle.' 
 
 Mr. Masterton then entered into a detail with Lady de 
 Clare as to what steps ought immediately to be taken, as the 
 heirs-at-law would otherwise give some trouble ; and having 
 obtained her acquiescence, it was time to withdraw. ' Mr. 
 Newland, I trust you will consider us as your warmest friends. 
 I am so much in your debt, that I never can repay you ; but 
 I am also in your debt in a pecuniary way that, at least, you 
 must permit me to refund.' 
 
 'When I require it, Lady de Clare, I will accept it. Do 
 not, pray, vex me by the proposition. I have not much 
 happiness as it is, although I am rejoiced at yours and that of 
 your daughter.' 
 
 * Come, Lady de Clare, I must not allow you to tease my 
 protege', you do not know how sensitive he is. We will now 
 take our leave.' 
 
 ' You will come soon,' said Cecilia, looking anxiously at me. 
 
 1 You have your mother, Cecilia,' replied I : ' what can you 
 wish for more ? I am a nobody without a parent.' 
 
 Cecilia burst into tears : I embraced her, and Mr. Masterton 
 and I left the room. 
 
 243 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LI 
 
 I return to the gay world, but am not well received ; I am quite disgusted 
 with it and honesty, and everything else. 
 
 How strange, now that I had succeeded in the next dearest 
 object of my wishes, after ascertaining my own parentage, 
 that I should have felt so miserable ; but it was the fact, and 
 I cannot deny it. I could hardly answer Mr. Masterton 
 during our journey to town ; and when I threw myself on the 
 sofa in my own room, I felt as if I was desolate and deserted. 
 I did not repine at Cecilia's happiness ; so far from it, I 
 would have sacrificed my life for her ; but she was a creature 
 of my own one of the objects in this world to which I was 
 endeared one that had been dependent on me and loved me. 
 Now that she was restored to her parent, she rose above me, 
 and I was left still more desolate. I do not know that I ever 
 passed a week of such misery as the one which followed a 
 denouement productive of so much happiness to others, and 
 which had been sought with so much eagerness, and at so 
 much risk r by myself. It was no feeling of envy, God knows ; 
 but it appeared to me as if every one in the world was to be 
 made happy except myself. But I had more to bear up 
 against. 
 
 When I had quitted for Ireland, it was still supposed that I 
 was a young man of large fortune the truth had not been told. 
 I had acceded to Mr. Masterton's suggestions, that I was no 
 longer to appear under false colours, and had requested 
 Harcourt, to whom I made known my real condition, that he 
 would everywhere state the truth. News like this flies like 
 wildfire : there were too many whom, perhaps, when under 
 the patronage of Major Carbonnell, and the universal rapture 
 from my supposed wealth, I had treated with hauteur, glad to 
 receive the intelligence, and spread it far and wide. My 
 imposition, as they pleased to term it, was the theme of every 
 party, and many were the indignant remarks of the dowagers 
 who had so often indirectly proposed to me their daughters ; 
 and if there was any one more virulent than the rest, I hardly 
 
 244 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 need say that it was Lady Maelstrom, who nearly killed her 
 job horses in driving about from one acquaintance to another, 
 to represent my unheard-of atrocity in presuming to deceive 
 my betters. Harcourt, who had agreed to live with me 
 Harcourt, who had praised my magnanimity in making the 
 disclosure even Harcourt fell off; and about a fortnight after 
 I had arrived in town, told me that not finding the lodgings so 
 convenient as his former abode, he intended to return to it. 
 He took a friendly leave ; but I perceived that if we happened 
 to meet in the streets, he often contrived to be looking 
 another way ; and at last, a slight recognition was all that I 
 received. Satisfied that it was intended, I no longer noticed 
 him : he followed but the example of others. So great was 
 the outcry raised by those who had hoped to have secured me 
 as a good match, that any young man of fashion who was 
 seen with me, had, by many, his name erased from their 
 visiting lists. This decided my fate, and I was alone. For 
 some time I bore up proudly ; I returned a glance of defiance, 
 but this could not last. The treatment of others received a 
 slight check from the kindness of Lord Windermear, who 
 repeatedly asked me to his table ; but I perceived that even 
 there, although suffered as a proteg of his lordship, anything 
 more than common civility was studiously avoided, in order 
 that no intimacy might result. Mr. Masterton, upon whom 
 I occasionally called, saw that I was unwell and unhappy. He 
 encouraged me ; but, alas ! a man must be more than mortal 
 who, with fine feelings, can endure the scorn of the world. 
 Timothy, poor fellow, who witnessed more of my unhappy 
 state of mind than anybody else, offered in vain his consola- 
 tion. ' And this,' thought I, 'is the reward of virtue and 
 honesty. Truly, virtue is its own reward, for it obtains no 
 other. As long as I was under false colours, allowing the 
 world to deceive themselves, I was courted and flattered. 
 Now that I have thrown off the mask, and put on the raiment 
 of truth, I am a despised, miserable being. Yes ; but is not 
 this my own fault ? Did I not, by my own deception, bring 
 all this upon myself? Whether unmasked by others, or by 
 myself, is it not equally true that I have been playing false, 
 and am now punished for it ? What do the world care for 
 your having returned to truth ? You have offended by 
 deceiving them, and that is an offence which your repentance 
 
 245 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 will not extenuate.' It was but too true, I had brought it 
 all on myself, and this reflection increased my misery. For 
 my dishonesty, I had been justly and severely punished : 
 whether I was ever to be rewarded for my subsequent honesty 
 still remained to be proved ; but I knew very well that most 
 people would have written off such a reward as a bad debt. 
 
 Once I consulted with Mr. Masterton as to the chance of 
 there being any information relative to my birth in the packet 
 left in the charge of Mr. Cophagus. ' I have been thinking 
 over it, my dear Newland,' said he, ' and I wish I could give 
 you any hopes, but I cannot. Having succeeded with regard 
 to your little protdgee, you are now so sanguine with respect to 
 yourself, that a trifle light as air is magnified, as the poet 
 says, "into confirmation strong as holy writ." Now, consider, 
 somebody calls at the Foundling to ask after you which I 
 acknowledge to be a satisfactory point his name is taken 
 down by an illiterate brute, as Derbennon ; but how you can 
 decide upon the real name, and assume it is De Benyon, is 
 really more than I can imagine, allowing every scope to fancy. 
 It is in the first instance, therefore, you are at fault, as there 
 are many other names which may have been given by the 
 party who called ; nay, more, is it at all certain that the party, 
 in a case like this, would give his real name ? Let us follow 
 it up. Allowing the name to have been De Benyon, you 
 discover that one brother is not married, and that there are 
 some papers belonging to him in the possession of an old 
 woman who dies ; and upon these slight grounds what would 
 you attempt to establish ? that because that person was 
 known not to have married, therefore he was married (for you 
 are stated to have been born in wedlock) ; and because there 
 is a packet of papers belonging to him in the possession of 
 another party, that this packet of papers must refer to you. 
 Do you not perceive how you are led away by your excited 
 feelings on the subject ? ' 
 
 I could not deny that Mr. Masterton's arguments had 
 demolished the whole fabric which I had built up. * You are 
 right, sir,' replied I mournfully. ' I wish I were dead.' 
 
 ' Never speak in that way, Mr. Newland, before me,' replied 
 the old lawyer in an angry tone, ' without you wish to forfeit 
 my good opinion.' 
 
 ' I beg your pardon, sir ; but I am most miserable. I am 
 246 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 avoided by all who know me thrown out of all society I 
 have not a parent or a relative. Isolated being as I am, what 
 have I to live for ? ' 
 
 * My dear fellow, you are not twenty-three years of age,' 
 replied Mr. Masterton, ' and you have made two sincere 
 friends, both powerful in their own way. I mean Lord 
 Windermear and myself: and you have had the pleasure of 
 making others happy. Believe me, that is much to have 
 accomplished at so early an age. You have much to live for 
 live to gain more friends live to gain reputation live to 
 do good to be grateful for the benefits you have received, and 
 to be humble when chastened by Providence. You have yet 
 to learn where, and only where, true happiness is to be found. 
 Since you are so much out of spirits, go down to Lady de 
 Clare's, see her happiness, and that of her little girl ; and then, 
 when you reflect that it was your own work, you will hardly 
 say that you have lived in vain.' I was too much overpowered 
 to speak. After a pause, Mr. Masterton continued, ' When 
 did you see them last ? ' 
 
 ' I have never seen them, sir, since I was with you at their 
 meeting. 5 
 
 'What! have you not called now nearly two months? 
 Japhet, you are wrong : they will be hurt at your neglect and 
 want of kindness. Have you written or heard from them ? ' 
 
 ' I have received one or two pressing invitations, sir ; but 
 I have not been in a state of mind to avail myself of their 
 politeness.' 
 
 ' Politeness ! you are wrong all wrong, Japhet. Your 
 mind is cankered, or you never would have used that term. 
 I thought you were composed of better materials ; but it 
 appears, that although you can sail with a fair wind, you 
 cannot buffet against an adverse gale. Because you are no 
 longer fooled and flattered by the interested and the designing, 
 like many others you have quarrelled with the world. Is it 
 not so ? ' 
 
 1 Perhaps you are right, sir.' 
 
 ' I know that I am right, and that you are wrong. Now I 
 shall be seriously displeased if you do not go down and see 
 Lady de Clare and her daughter, as soon as you can.' 
 
 ' I will obey your orders, sir.' 
 
 1 My wishes, Japhet, not my orders. Let me see you when 
 247 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 you return. You must no longer be idle. Consider, that you 
 are about to recommence your career in life ; that hitherto 
 you have pursued the wrong path, from which you have nobly 
 returned. You must prepare for exertions, and learn to trust 
 to God and a good conscience. Lord Windermear and I had 
 a long conversation relative to you yesterday evening ; and 
 when you come back, I will detail to you what are our views 
 respecting your future advantage.' 
 
 CHAPTER LII 
 
 A new character appears, but not a very amiable one ; but I attach myself 
 to him, as drowning men catch at straws. 
 
 I TOOK my leave, more composed in mind, and the next day 
 I went down to Lady de Clare's. I was kindly received, 
 more than kindly, I was affectionately and parentally received 
 by the mother, and by Cecilia as a dear brother ; but they 
 perceived my melancholy, and when they had upbraided me 
 for my long neglect, they inquired the cause. As I had 
 already made Lady de Clare acquainted with my previous 
 history, I had no secrets ; in fact, it was a consolation to 
 confide my griefs to them. Lord Windermear was too much 
 above me Mr. Masterton was too matter-of-fact Timothy 
 was too inferior and they were all men ; but the kind sooth- 
 ing of a woman was peculiarly grateful, and after a sojourn of 
 three days, I took my leave, with my mind much less depressed 
 than when I arrived. 
 
 On my return, I called upon Mr. Masterton, who stated to 
 me that Lord Windermear was anxious to serve me, and that 
 he would exert his interest in any way which might be most 
 congenial to my feelings ; that he would procure me a com- 
 mission in the army, or a writership to India ; or, if I preferred 
 it, I might study the law under the auspices of Mr. Masterton. 
 If none of these propositions suited me, I might state what 
 would be preferred, and that, as far as his interest and 
 pecuniary assistance could avail, I might depend on it. 
 ' So now, Japhet, you may go home and reflect seriously upon 
 these offers ; and when you have made up your mind what 
 course you will steer, you have only to let me know.' 
 
 248 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I returned my thanks to Mr. Masterton, and begged that 
 he would convey my grateful acknowledgments to his lordship. 
 As I walked home, I met a Captain Atkinson, a man of very 
 doubtful character, whom, by the advice of Carbonnell, I had 
 always kept at a distance. He had lost a large fortune by 
 gambling, and having been pigeoned, had, as is usual, ended 
 by becoming a rook. He was a fashionable, well -looking 
 man, of good family, suffered in society, for he had found out 
 that it was necessary to hold his position by main force. He 
 was a noted duellist, had killed his three or four men, and a 
 cut direct from any person was, with him, sufficient grounds 
 for sending a friend. Everybody was civil to him, because 
 no one wished to quarrel with him. 
 
 ' My dear Mr. Newland,' said he, offering his hand, ' I am 
 delighted to see you ; I have heard at the clubs of your mis- 
 fortune, and there were some free remarks made by some. I 
 have great pleasure in saying that I put an immediate stop to 
 them, by telling them that, if they were repeated in my 
 presence, I should consider it as a personal quarrel. 3 
 
 Three months before, had I met Captain Atkinson, I should 
 have returned his bow with studied politeness, and have left 
 him ; but how changed were my feelings ! I took his hand, 
 and shook it warmly. 
 
 * My dear sir,' replied I, ' I am very much obliged for your 
 kind and considerate conduct ; there are more who are inclined 
 to calumniate than to defend.' 
 
 ' And always will be in this world, Mr. Newland ; but I 
 have a fellow-feeling. I recollect how I was received and 
 flattered when I was introduced as a young man of fortune, 
 and how I was deserted and neglected when I was cleaned 
 out. I know now why they are so civil to me, and I value 
 their civility at just as much as it is worth. Will you accept 
 my arm ? I am going your way.' 
 
 I could not refuse ; but I coloured when I took it, for I felt 
 that I was not adding to my reputation by being seen in his 
 company ; and still I felt, that although not adding to my 
 reputation, I was less likely to receive insult, and that the 
 same cause which induced them to be civil to him, would 
 perhaps operate when they found me allied with him. ' Be it 
 so,' thought I, ' I will, if possible, extort politeness.' 
 
 We were strolling down Bond Street, when we met a young 
 249 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 man, well known in the fashionable circles, who had dropped 
 my acquaintance, after having been formerly most pressing to 
 obtain it. Atkinson faced him. ' Good morning, Mr. Oxberry.' 
 
 ' Good morning, Captain Atkinson,' replied Mr. Oxberry. 
 
 ' I thought you knew my friend Mr. Newland ? ' observed 
 Atkinson, rather fiercely. 
 
 'Oh! really I quite I beg pardon. Good morning, 
 Mr. Newland ; you have been long absent. I did not see you 
 at Lady Maelstrom's last night.' 
 
 ' No,' replied I, carelessly, ' nor will you ever. When you 
 next see her ladyship, ask her, with my compliments, whether 
 she has had another fainting fit.' 
 
 ' I shall certainly have great pleasure in carrying your 
 message, Mr. Newland good morning.' 
 
 ' That fool,' observed Atkinson, ' will now run all over town, 
 and you will see the consequence.' 
 
 We met one or two others, and to them Atkinson put the 
 same question, ' I thought you knew my friend Mr. Newland ?' 
 At last, just as we arrived at my own house in St. James's 
 Street, who should we meet but Harcourt. Harcourt imme- 
 diately perceived me, and bowed low as he passed on, so that 
 his bow would have served for both ; but Atkinson stopped. 
 * I must beg your pardon, Harcourt, for detaining you a mo- 
 ment, but what are the odds upon the Vestris colt for the 
 Derby?' 
 
 ' Upon my word, Captain Atkinson, I was told, but I have 
 forgotten.' 
 
 'Your memory appears bad, for you have also forgotten 
 your old friend Mr. Newland.' 
 
 ' I beg your pardon, Mr. Newland.' 
 
 'There is no occasion to beg my pardon, Mr. Harcourt,' 
 interrupted I ; ' for I tell you plainly, that I despise you too 
 much to ever wish to be acquainted with you. You will 
 oblige me, sir, by never presuming to touch your hat, or 
 otherwise notice me. J 
 
 Harcourt coloured, and started back. ' Such language, 
 Mr. Newland 
 
 ' Is what you deserve : ask your own conscience. Leave 
 us, sir ' ; and I walked on with Captain Atkinson. 
 
 ' You have done well, Newland,' observed Atkinson : ' he 
 cannot submit to that language, for he knows that I have 
 
 250 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 heard it. A meeting you will of course have no objection to. 
 It will be of immense advantage to you.' 
 
 ' None whatever,' replied I ; 'for if there is any one man 
 who deserves to be punished for his conduct towards me, it is 
 Harcourt. Will you come up, Captain Atkinson, and, if not 
 better engaged, take a quiet dinner and a bottle of wine with 
 me ? ' 
 
 Our conversation during dinner was desultory ; but after 
 the first bottle, Atkinson became communicative, and his 
 history not only made me feel better inclined towards him, 
 but afforded me another instance, as well as Carbonnell's, how 
 often it is that those who would have done well are first 
 plundered, and then driven to desperation by the heartlessness 
 of the world. The cases, however, had this difference, that 
 Carbonnell had always contrived to keep his reputation above 
 water, while that of Atkinson was gone, and never to be 
 re-established. We had just finished our wine when a note 
 was brought from Harcourt, informing me that he should send 
 a friend the next morning for an explanation of my conduct. 
 I handed it over to Atkinson. ' My dear sir, I am at your 
 service,' replied he, 'without you have anybody among your 
 acquaintances whom you may prefer.' 
 
 ' Thank you,' replied I, ' Captain Atkinson : it cannot be 
 in better hands.' 
 
 ' That is settled, then ; and now where shall we go ? ' 
 
 4 Wherever you please.' 
 
 ' Then I shall try if I can win a little money to-night : if 
 you come you need not play you can look on. It will serve 
 to divert your thoughts, at all events.' 
 
 I felt so anxious to avoid reflection, that I immediately 
 accepted his offer ; and in a few minutes we were in the well- 
 lighted room, and in front of the rouge et noir table, covered 
 with gold and bank notes. Atkinson did not commence his 
 play immediately, but pricked the chances on a card as they 
 ran. After half an hour he laid down his stakes, and was 
 fortunate. I could no longer withstand the temptation, and 
 I backed him ; in less than an hour we both had won 
 considerably. 
 
 ' That is enough,' said he to me, sweeping up his money ; 
 'we must not try the slippery dame too long.' 
 
 I followed his example, and shortly afterwards we quitted 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the house. ' I will walk home with you, Newland : never, if 
 you can help it, especially if you have been a winner, leave a 
 gaming-house alone.' 
 
 Going home, I asked Atkinson if he would come up ; he 
 did so, and then we examined our winnings. ' I know mine, 5 
 replied he, ' within twenty pounds, for I always leave off at a 
 certain point. I have three hundred pounds, and something 
 more.' 
 
 He had won three hundred and twenty-five pounds, I had 
 won ninety pounds. As we sat over a glass of brandy and 
 water, I inquired whether he was always fortunate. ' No, of 
 course I am not,' replied Atkinson ; ' but on the whole, in the 
 course of the year, I am a winner of sufficient to support 
 myself.' 
 
 ' Is there any rule by which people are guided who play ? 
 I observed many of those who were seated pricking the 
 chances with great care, and then staking their money at 
 intervals. 3 
 
 ' Rouge et noir I believe to be the fairest of all games,' 
 replied Atkinson ; ' but where there is a percentage invariably in 
 favour of the bank, although one may win and another lose, still 
 the profits must be in favour of the bank. If a man were to play 
 all the year round, he would lose the National Debt in the end. 
 As for martingales, and all those calculations, which you 
 observed them so busy with, they are all useless. I have 
 tried everything, and there is only one chance of success, but 
 then you must not be a gambler? 
 
 ' Not a gambler ? ' 
 
 ' No ; you must not be carried away by the excitement of 
 the game, or you will infallibly lose. You must have a 
 strength of mind which few have, or you will be soon cleaned 
 out.' 
 
 * But you say that you win on the whole : have you no rule 
 to guide you ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, I have : strange as the chances are, I have been so 
 accustomed to them, that I generally put down my stake 
 right : when I am once in a run of luck, I have a method of 
 my own, but what it is I cannot tell ; only this I know, that 
 if I depart from it, I always lose my money. But that is 
 what you may call good luck, or what you please it is not a 
 rule.' 
 
 252 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Where, then, are your rules ? ' 
 
 ' Simply these two. The first is not difficult to adhere to : 
 I make a rule never to lose but a certain sum if I am unlucky 
 when I commence say twenty stakes, whatever may be the 
 amount of the stake that you play. This rule is easily 
 adhered to, by not taking more money with you ; and I am 
 not one of those to whom the croupier or porters will lend 
 money. The second rule is the most difficult, and decides 
 whether you are a gambler or not. I make a rule always to 
 leave off when I have won a certain sum or even before, if 
 the chances of my game fluctuate. There is the difficulty : it 
 appears very foolish not to follow up luck ; but the fact is, 
 fortune is so capricious, that if you trust her more than an 
 hour, she will desert you. This is my mode of play, and with 
 me it answers ; but it does not follow that it would answer 
 with another. But it is very late, or rather, very early I 
 wish you a good-night.' 
 
 CHAPTER LIII 
 
 Become principal instead of second in a duel, and risk my own and 
 another's life, my own and others' happiness and peace of mind, 
 because I have been punished as I deserved. 
 
 AFTER Captain Atkinson had left me, I stated to Timothy 
 what had passed. ' And do you think you will have to fight 
 a duel, sir ? ' cried Timothy with alarm. 
 
 * There is no doubt of it,' replied I. 
 
 * You will never find your father, sir, if you go on this way,' 
 said Timothy, as if to divert my attention from such a purpose. 
 
 ' Not in this world, perhaps, Tim ; perhaps I may be sent 
 the right road by a bullet, and find him in the next.' 
 
 ' Do you think your father, if dead, has gone to heaven ? ' 
 
 ' I hope so, Timothy.' 
 
 ' Then what chance have you of meeting him, if you go out 
 of the world attempting the life of your old friend ? ' 
 
 ' That is what you call a poser, my dear Timothy, but I 
 cannot help myself: this I can safely say, that I have no 
 
 253 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 animosity against Mr. Harcourt at least, not sufficient to 
 have any wish to take away his life.' 
 
 ' Well, that's something, to be sure ; but do you know, 
 Japhet, I'm not quite sure you hit the right road when you set 
 up for a gentleman.' 
 
 ' No, Timothy, no man can be in the right road who 
 deceives : I have been all wrong ; and I am afraid I am 
 going from worse to worse : but I cannot moralise, I must go 
 to sleep, and forget everything, if I can.' 
 
 The next morning, about eleven o'clock, a Mr. Cotgrave 
 called upon me on the part of Harcourt. I referred him 
 to Captain Atkinson, and he bowed and quitted the room. 
 Captain Atkinson soon called : he had remained at home 
 expecting the message, and had made every arrangement 
 with the second. He stayed with me the whole day. The 
 major's pistols were examined and approved of. We dined, 
 drank freely, and he afterwards proposed that I should 
 accompany him to one of the hells, as they are called. This 
 I refused, as I had some arrangements to make ; and as 
 soon as he was gone I sent for Timothy. 
 
 ' Tim,' said I, 'if I should be unlucky to-morrow, you are 
 my executor and residuary legatee. My will was made when 
 in Dublin, and is in the charge of Mr. Cophagus.' 
 
 'Japhet, I hope you will allow me one favour, which is, 
 to go to the ground with you. I had rather be there than 
 remain here in supense.' 
 
 ' Of course, my dear fellow, if you wish it,' replied I ; 
 ' but I must go to bed, as I am to be called at four o'clock 
 so let's have no sentimentalising or sermonising. Good- 
 night, God bless you.' 
 
 I was, at that time, in a state of mind which made me 
 reckless of life or of consequences ; stung by the treatment 
 which I received, mad with the world's contumely, I was 
 desperate. True it was, as Mr. Masterton said, I had not 
 courage to buffet against an adverse gale. Timothy did 
 not go to bed, and at four o'clock was at my side. I rose, 
 dressed myself with the greatest care, and was soon joined 
 by Captain Atkinson. We then set off in a hackney-coach 
 to the same spot to which I had, but a few months before, 
 driven with poor Carbonnell. His memory and his death 
 came like a cloud over my mind, but it was but for a 
 
 254 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 moment. I cared little for life. Harcourt and his second 
 were on the ground a few minutes before us. Each party 
 saluted politely, and the seconds proceeded to business. We 
 fired, and Harcourt fell, with a bullet above his knee. I 
 went up to him, and he extended his hand. ' Newland,' 
 said he, ' I have deserved this. I was a coward, in the 
 first place, to desert you as I did and a coward, in the 
 second, to fire at a man whom I had injured. Gentlemen,' 
 
 ' Harcourt fell -with a bullet above his knee' 
 
 continued he, appealing to the seconds, 'recollect, I, before 
 you, acquit Mr. Newland of all blame, and desire, if any 
 further accident should happen to me, that my relations will 
 take no steps whatever against him.' 
 
 Harcourt was very pale, and bleeding fast. Without any 
 answer I examined the wound, and found, by the colour of 
 the blood, and its gushing, that an artery had been divided. 
 My professional knowledge saved his life. I compressed 
 the artery, while I gave directions to the others. A handker- 
 chief was tied tight round his thigh, above the wound a 
 
 255 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 round stone selected, and placed under the handkerchief, in 
 the femoral groove, and the ramrod of one of the pistols 
 then made use of as a winch, until the whole acted as a 
 tourniquet. I removed my thumbs, found that the hemorrhage 
 was stopped, and then directed that he should be taken 
 home on a door, and surgical assistance immediately sent for. 
 
 ' You appear to understand these things, sir,' said Mr. 
 Cotgrave. ' Tell me, is there any danger ? ' 
 
 ' He must suffer amputation,' replied I, in a low voice, 
 so that Harcourt could not hear me. ' Pray watch the 
 tourniquet carefully as he is taken home, for should it slip 
 it will be fatal.' 
 
 I then bowed to Mr. Cotgrave, and, followed by Captain 
 Atkinson, stepped into the hackney-coach and drove home. 
 ' I will leave you now, Newland,' said Captain Atkinson : 
 'it is necessary that I talk this matter over, so that it is 
 properly explained.' 
 
 I thanked Captain Atkinson for his services, and was 
 left alone ; for I had sent Timothy to ascertain if Harcourt 
 had arrived safe at his lodgings. Never did I feel more 
 miserable ; my anxiety for Harcourt was indescribable ; true, 
 he had not treated me well, but I thought of his venerable 
 father, who pressed my hand so warmly when I left his 
 hospitable roof of his lovely sisters, and the kindness and 
 affection which they had shown towards me, and our extreme 
 intimacy. I thought of the pain which the intelligence would 
 give them, and their indignation towards me, when their 
 brother first made his appearance at his father's house, 
 mutilated ; and were he to die good God ! I was maddened 
 at the idea. I had now undone the little good I had been 
 able to do. If I had made Fleta and her mother happy, 
 had I not plunged another family into misery ? 
 
 CHAPTER LIV 
 
 This is a strange world ; I am cut by a man of no character, because 
 he is fearful that I should injure his character. 
 
 TIMOTHY returned, and brought me consolation the bleed- 
 ing had not recommenced, and Harcourt was in tolerable 
 
 256 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 spirits. An eminent surgeon had been sent for. < Go again, 
 my dear Timothy, and as you are intimate with Harcourt's 
 servant, you will be able to find out what they are about.' 
 
 Timothy departed, and was absent about an hour, during 
 which I lay on the sofa, and groaned with anguish. When 
 he returned, I knew by his face that his intelligence was 
 favourable. 
 
 ' All's right,' cried Timothy ; * no amputation after all. 
 It was only one of the smaller arteries which was severed, 
 and they have taken it up.' 
 
 I sprang up from the sofa and embraced Timothy, so 
 happy was I with the intelligence, and then I sat down again, 
 and cried like a child. At last I became more composed. 
 I had asked Captain Atkinson to dine with me, and was 
 very glad when he came. He confirmed Timothy's report, 
 and I was so overjoyed, that I sat late at dinner, drinking 
 very freely, and when he again proposed that we should go 
 to the rouge et noir table, I did not refuse on the contrary, 
 flushed with wine, I was anxious to go, and took all the 
 money that I had with me. On our arrival Atkinson played, 
 but finding that he was not fortunate, he very soon left 
 off. As I had followed his game, I also had lost consider- 
 ably, and he entreated me not to play any more but / 
 was a gamester, it appeared, and I would not pay attention 
 to him, and did not quit the table until I had lost every 
 shilling in my pocket. I left the house in no very good 
 humour, and Atkinson, who had waited for me, accompanied 
 me home. 
 
 ' Newland,' said he, ' I don't know what you may think 
 of me you may have heard that I'm a roue, etc., etc., etc., 
 but this I always do, which is, caution those who are 
 gamesters from their hearts. I have watched you to-night, 
 and I tell you, that you will be ruined if you continue to 
 frequent that table. You have no command over yourself. 
 I do not know what your means may be, but this I do know, 
 that if you were a Croesus, you would be a beggar. I cared 
 nothing for you while you were the Mr. Newland, the admired, 
 and leader of the fashion ; but I felt for you when I heard 
 that you were scouted from society, merely because it was 
 found out that you were not so rich as you were supposed to 
 be. I had a fellow-feeling, as I told you. I did not make 
 S 257 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 your acquaintance to win your money I can win as much 
 as I wish from the scoundrels who keep the tables, or from 
 those who would not scruple to plunder others ; and I now 
 entreat you not to return to that place and am sorry, very 
 sorry, that ever I took you there. To me, the excitement is 
 nothing to you it is overpowering. You are a gamester, 
 or rather, you have it in your disposition. Take, therefore, 
 the advice of a friend, if I may so call myself, and do not 
 go there again. I hope you are not seriously inconvenienced 
 by what you have lost to-night. 3 
 
 ' Not the least,' replied I. 'It was ready money. I thank 
 you for your advice, and will follow it. I have been a fool to- 
 night, and one folly is sufficient.' 
 
 Atkinson then left me. I had lost about two hundred 
 and fifty pounds, which included my winnings of the night 
 before. I was annoyed at it, but I thought of Harcourt's 
 safety, and felt indifferent. The reader may recollect, that 
 I had three thousand pounds, which Mr. Masterton had 
 offered to put out at mortgage for me, but until he could 
 find an opportunity, by his advice I had bought stock in 
 the Three per Cents. Since that time he had not succeeded, 
 as mortgages in general are for larger sums, and it had 
 therefore remained. My rents were not yet due, and I was 
 obliged to have recourse to this money. I therefore went 
 into the city, and ordered the broker to sell out two hundred 
 pounds, intending to replace it as soon as I could for I 
 would not have liked that Mr. Masterton should have known 
 that I had lost money by gambling. When I returned from 
 the city, I found Captain Atkinson in my apartments, waiting 
 for me. 
 
 * Harcourt is doing well, and you are not doing badly. I 
 have let all the world know that you intend to call out whoever 
 presumes to treat you with indifference.' 
 
 * The devil you have ! but that is a threat which may easier 
 be made than followed up by deeds.' 
 
 ' Shoot two or three more,' replied Atkinson coolly, ' and 
 then, depend upon it, you'll have it all your own way. As it 
 is, I acknowledge there has been some show of resistance, and 
 they talk of making a resolution not to meet you, on the score 
 of your being an impostor.' 
 
 ' And a very plausible reason, too, 3 replied I ; ' nor do I 
 
 358 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 think I have any right I am sure I have no intention of doing 
 as you propose. Surely, people have a right to choose their 
 acquaintance, and to cut me, if they think I have done wrong. 
 I am afraid, Captain Atkinson, you have mistaken me ; I have 
 punished Harcourt for his conduct towards me he deserved 
 punishment. I had claims on him ; but I have not upon the 
 hundreds, whom, when in the zenith of my popularity, I myself, 
 perhaps, was not over courteous to. I cannot run the muck 
 which you propose, nor do I consider that I shall help my 
 character by so doing. I may become notorious, but certainly, 
 I shall not obtain that species of notoriety which will be of 
 service to me. No, no ; I have done too much, I may say, 
 already ; and, although not so much to blame as the world 
 imagines, yet my own conscience tells me, that by allowing it 
 to suppose that I was what I was not, I have, to say the least, 
 been a party to the fraud, and must take the consequence. 
 My situation now is very unpleasant, and I ought to retire, 
 and, if possible, reappear with real claims upon the public 
 favour. I have still friends, thank God ! and influential 
 friends. I am offered a writership in India a commission in 
 the army or to study the law. Will you favour me with your 
 opinion ? ' 
 
 'You pay me a compliment by asking my advice. A 
 writership in India is fourteen years' transportation, returning 
 with plenty to live on, but no health to enjoy it. In the army 
 you might do well, and, moreover, as an officer in the army, none 
 dare refuse to go out with you. At the same time, under your 
 peculiar circumstances, I think if you were in a crack regiment, 
 you would, in all probability, have to fight one half the mess, 
 and be put in Coventry by the other. You must then exchange 
 on half-pay, and your commission would be a great help to 
 you. As for the law I'd sooner see a brother of mine in his 
 coffin. There, you have my opinion.' 
 
 * Not a very encouraging one, at all events,' replied I, 
 laughing ; ' but there is much truth in your observations. To 
 India I will not go, as it will interfere with the great object of 
 my existence.' 
 
 ' And pray, if it be no secret, may I ask what that is ? " 
 
 ' To find out who is my father} 
 
 Captain Atkinson looked very hard at me. ' I more than 
 once,' said he, 'have thought you a little cracked, but now I 
 
 259 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 perceive you are mad downright mad: don't be angry, I 
 couldn't help saying so, and if you wish me to give you satisfac- 
 tion, I shall most unwillingly oblige you.' 
 
 ' No, no, Atkinson, I believe you are not very far wrong, 
 and I forgive you but to proceed. The army, as you say, 
 will give me a position in society, from my profession being 
 that of a gentleman, but, as I do not wish to take the advantage 
 which you have suggested from the position, I shrink from 
 putting myself into one which may lead to much mortification. 
 As for the law, although I do not exactly agree with you in 
 your abhorrence of the profession, yet I must say, that I do not 
 like the idea. I have been rendered unfit for it by my life up 
 to the present. But I am permitted to select any other.' 
 
 1 Without wishing to pry into your affairs, have you sufficient 
 to live upon ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, in a moderate way ; about a younger brother's 
 portion, which will just keep me in gloves, cigars, and eau de 
 cologne.' 
 
 ' Then take my advice and be nothing. The only difference 
 I see between a gentleman and anybody else, is that one 
 is idle and the other works hard. One is a useless, and the 
 other a useful, member of society. Such is the absurdity of 
 the opinions of the world.' 
 
 ' Yes, I agree with you, and would prefer being a gentleman 
 in that respect, and do nothing, if they would admit me in 
 every other ; but that they will not do. I am in an unfortunate 
 position.' 
 
 ' And will be until your feelings become blunted as mine 
 have been,' replied Atkinson. ' Had you acquiesced in my 
 proposal you would have done better. As it is, I can be of no 
 use to you ; nay, without intending an affront, I do not know 
 if we ought to be seen together, for your decision not to fight 
 your way is rather awkward, as I cannot back one with my 
 support who will not do credit to it. Do not be angry at 
 what I say ; you are your own master, and have a right to 
 decide for yourself. If you think yourself not so wholly lost as 
 to be able eventually to recover yourself by other means, I do 
 not blame you, as I know it is only from an error in judgment, 
 and not from want of courage.' 
 
 ( At present I am, I acknowledge, lost, Captain Atkinson : 
 
 but if I succeed vt\ finding my father ' 
 
 260 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Good morning, Newland, good morning,' replied he hastily. 
 * I see how it is ; of course we shall be civil to each other when 
 we meet, for I wish you well, but we must not be seen together, 
 or you may injure my character.' 
 
 ' Injure your character, Captain Atkinson ? ' 
 
 4 Yes, Mr. Newland, injure my character. I do not mean to 
 say but that there are characters more respectable, but I have 
 a character which suits me, and it has the merit of consistency. 
 As you are not prepared, as the Americans say, to go the whole 
 hog, we will part good friends, and if I have said anything to 
 annoy you, I beg your pardon.' 
 
 * Good-bye, then, Captain Atkinson ; for the kindness you 
 have shown me I am grateful.' He shook my hand, and 
 walked out of the room. ' And for having thus broken up our 
 acquaintance, more grateful still,' thought I, as he went down- 
 stairs. 
 
 CHAPTER LV 
 
 I cut my new acquaintance, but his company, even in so short a time, 
 proves my ruin Notwithstanding I part with all my property, I 
 retain my honesty. 
 
 IN the meantime, the particulars of the duel had found their 
 way into the papers, with various comments, but none of 
 them very flattering to me ; and I received a note from Mr. 
 Masterton, who, deceived by the representations of that class 
 of people who cater for newspapers, and who are but too glad 
 to pull, if they possibly can, every one to their own level, 
 strongly animadverted upon my conduct, and pointed out the 
 folly of it ; adding, that Lord Windermear wholly coincided 
 with him in opinion, and had desired him to express his dis- 
 pleasure. He concluded by observing, * I consider this to be 
 the most serious false step which you have hitherto made. 
 Because you have been a party to deceiving the public, and 
 because one individual, who had no objection to be intimate 
 with a young man of fashion, station, and affluence, does not 
 wish to continue the acquaintance with one of unknown birth 
 and no fortune, you consider yourself justified in taking his 
 life. Upon this principle, all society is at an end, all distinc- 
 
 261 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tions levelled, and the rule of the gladiator will only be over- 
 thrown by the stiletto of the assassin.' 
 
 I was but ill prepared to receive this letter. I had been 
 deeply thinking upon the kind offers of Lord Windermear, 
 and had felt that they would interfere with the primum mobile 
 of my existence, and I was reflecting by what means I could 
 evade their kind intentions, and be at liberty to follow my own 
 inclinations, when this note arrived. To me it appeared to be 
 the height of injustice. I had been arraigned and found 
 guilty upon an ex-fiarte statement. I forgot, at the time, that 
 it was my duty to have immediately proceeded to Mr. 
 Masterton, and have fully explained the facts of the case ; 
 and that, by not having so done, I left the natural impression 
 that I had no defence to offer. I forgot all this, still I was 
 myself to blame I only saw that the letter in itself was 
 unkind and unjust and my feelings were those of resentment. 
 What right have Lord Windermear and Mr. Masterton thus 
 to school and to insult me ? The right of obligations conferred. 
 But is not Lord Windermear under obligations to me ? Have 
 I not preserved his secret ? Yes ; but how did I obtain 
 possession of it ? By so doing, I was only making reparation 
 for an act of treachery. Well, then, at all events, I have a 
 right to be independent of them, if I please any one has a 
 right to assert his independence if he chooses. Their offers 
 of service only would shackle me, if I accepted of their assist- 
 ance. I will have none of them. Such were my reflections ; 
 and the reader must perceive that I was influenced by a state 
 of morbid irritability a sense of abandonment which prostrated 
 me. I felt that I was an isolated being without a tie in the 
 whole world. I determined to spurn the world as it had 
 spurned me. To Timothy I would hardly speak a word. 
 I lay with an aching head, aching from increased circulation. 
 I was mad, or nearly so. I opened the case of pistols, and 
 thought of suicide reflection alone restrained me. I could 
 not abandon the search after my father. 
 
 Feverish and impatient, I wished to walk out, but I dared 
 not meet the public eye. I waited till dark, and then I sallied 
 forth, hardly knowing where I went. I passed the gaming- 
 house I did pass it, but I returned and lost every shilling ; 
 not, however, till the fluctuations of the game had persuaded me, 
 that had I had more money to carry it on, I should have won. 
 
 262 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I went to bed, but not to sleep ; I thought of how I had 
 been caressed and admired, when I was supposed to be rich. 
 Of what use, then, was the money I possessed ? Little or none. 
 I made up my mind that I would either gain a fortune, or 
 lose that which I had. The next morning I went into the 
 city, and sold out all the remaining stock. To Timothy I had 
 not communicated my intentions. I studiously avoided 
 speaking to him : he felt hurt at my conduct, I perceived, but 
 I was afraid of his advice and expostulation. 
 
 At night-fall I returned to the hell played with various 
 success ; at one time was a winner of three times my capital, 
 and I ended at last with my pockets being empty. I was 
 indifferent when it was all gone, although in the highest state 
 of excitement while the chances were turning up. 
 
 The next day I went to a house-agent, and stated my wish 
 to sell my house, for I was resolved to try fortune to the last. 
 The agent undertook to find a ready purchaser, and I begged 
 an advance, which he made, and continued to make, until he 
 had advanced nearly half the value. He then found a 
 purchaser (himself, as I believe) at two-thirds of its value. 
 I did not hesitate, I had lost every advance, one after another, 
 and was anxious to retrieve my fortune or be a beggar. I 
 signed the conveyance and received the balance, fifteen hundred 
 and fifty pounds, and returned to the apartments, no longer 
 mine, about an hour before dinner. I called Timothy, and 
 ascertaining the amount of bills due, gave him fifty pounds, 
 which left him about fifteen pounds as a residue. I then sat 
 down to my solitary meal, but just as I commenced I heard 
 a dispute in the passage. 
 
 ' What is that, Timothy ? ' cried I, for I was nervous to a 
 degree. 
 
 ' It's that fellow Emmanuel, sir, who says that he will 
 come up.' 
 
 ' Yesh, I vill go up, sar.' 
 
 ' Let him come, Timothy,' replied I. Accordingly Mr. 
 Emmanuel ascended. 'Well, Emmanuel, what do you want 
 with me?' said I, looking with contempt at the miserable 
 creature, who entered as before, with his body bent double, 
 and his hand lying over his back. 
 
 ' I vash a little out of breath, Mr. Newland I vash come 
 to say dat de monish is very scarce dat I vill accept your 
 
 263 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 offer, and vill take de hundred pounds and my tousand which 
 I have lent you. You too mush gentleman not to help a poor 
 old man, ven he ish in distress.' 
 
 1 Rather say, Mr. Emmanuel, that you have heard that I 
 have not ten thousand pounds per annum, and that you are 
 afraid that you have lost your money. 
 
 ' Loshe my monish ! no loshe my tousand pound ! Did 
 you not say, dat you would pay it back to me, and give me 
 hundred pounds for my trouble ? dat vash de last arrangement.' 
 
 'Yes, but you refused to take it, so it is not my fault. 
 You must now stick to the first, which is to receive fifteen 
 hundred pounds when I come into my fortune.' 
 
 ' Your fortune, but you av no fortune.' 
 
 ' I am afraid not ; and recollect, Mr. Emmanuel, that I 
 never told you that I had.' 
 
 1 Vill you pay me my monish, Mr. Newland, or vill you go 
 to prison ? ' 
 
 ' You can't put me in prison for an agreement,' replied I. 
 
 ' No ; but I can prosecute you for a swindler.' 
 
 ' No, you confounded old rascal, you cannot ; try, and do 
 your worst,' cried I, enraged at the word swindler. 
 
 ' Veil, Mr. Newland, if you have not de ten tousand a year, 
 you have de house and de monish ; you vill not cheat a poor 
 man like me.' 
 
 ' I have sold my house.' 
 
 * You have sold de house den you have neither de house 
 or de monish. Oh ! my monish, my monish ! Sare, Mr. 
 Newland, you are one d d rascal ' ; and the old wretch's 
 frame quivered with emotion ; his hand behind his back 
 shaking as much as the other which, in his rage, he shook in 
 my face. 
 
 Enraged myself at being called such an opprobrious term, 
 I opened the door, twisted him round, and applying my foot 
 to a nameless part, he flew out and fell down the stairs, at the 
 turning of which he lay, groaning in pain. 
 
 * Mine Got, mine Got, I am murdered,' cried he. ' Fader 
 Abraham, receive me.' My rage was appeased, and I turned 
 pale at the idea of having killed the poor wretch. With the 
 assistance of Timothy, whom I summoned, we dragged the 
 old man upstairs, and placed him in a chair, and found that 
 he was not very much hurt. A glass of wine was given to 
 
 264 
 
' He flew out and fell down the stairs. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 him, and then, as soon as he could speak, his ruling passion 
 broke out again. ' Mishter Newland ah, Mish-ter New-land, 
 cannot you give me my monish cannot you give me de 
 tousand pound, without de interest ? you are very welcome to 
 de interest. I only lent it to oblige you.' 
 
 * How can you expect a d d rascal to do any such 
 thing ?' replied I. 
 
 ' D d rascal ! Ah ! it vash I who vash a rascal, and 
 vash a fool to say the word. Mishter Newland, you vash a 
 gentleman, you vill pay me my monish. You vill pay me 
 part of my monish. I have de agreement in my pocket, all 
 ready to give up.' 
 
 ' If I have not the money, how can I pay you ?' 
 
 * Fader Abraham, if you have not de monish you must 
 have some monish ; den you will pay me a part. How much 
 vill you pay me ?' 
 
 * Will you take five hundred pounds, and return the 
 agreement ?' 
 
 1 Five hundred pounds lose half oh ! Mr. Newland it 
 was all lent in monish, not in goods ; you will not make me 
 lose so much as dat ?' 
 
 ' I'm not sure that I will give you five hundred pounds ; 
 your bond is not worth twopence, and you know it.' 
 
 ' Your honour, Mishter Newland, is worth more dan ten 
 tousand pounds : but if you have not de monish, den you shall 
 pay me de five hundred pounds which you offer, and I will 
 give up de paper.' 
 
 ' I never offered five hundred pounds.' 
 
 ' Not offer ; but you mention de sum, dat quite enough.' 
 
 * Well, then, for five hundred pounds, you will give up the 
 paper?' 
 
 * Yes ; I vash content to loshe all de rest, to please you.' 
 
 I went to my desk, and took out five hundred pounds in 
 notes. * Now, there is the money, which you may put your 
 hands on when you give up the agreement.' The old man 
 pulled out the agreement and laid it on the table, catching up 
 the notes. I looked at the paper to see if it was all right, 
 and then tore it up. Emmanuel put the notes, with a heavy 
 sigh, into his inside coat pocket, and prepared to depart. 
 * Now, Mr. Emmanuel, I will show that I have a little more 
 honour than you think for. This is all the money I have in 
 
 266 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the world,' said I, taking out of my desk the remaining thou- 
 sand pounds, ' and half of it I give to you, to pay you the 
 whole money which you lent me. Here is five hundred 
 pounds more, and now we are quits.' 
 
 The eyes of the old man were fixed upon me in astonish- 
 ment, and from my face they glanced upon the notes ; he 
 could, to use a common expression, neither believe his eyes 
 nor his ears. At last he took the money, again unbuttoned, 
 and pulled out his pocket-book, and with a trembling hand 
 stowed them away as before. 
 
 * You vash a very odd gentleman, Mishter Newland,' said 
 he ; * you kick me downstairs, and but dat is noting.' 
 
 ' Good-bye, Mr. Emmanuel,' said I, ' and let me eat my 
 dinner.' 
 
 CHAPTER LVI 
 
 I resolve to begin the world again, and to seek my fortune in the next 
 path I take leave of all my old friends. 
 
 THE Jew retired, and I commenced my meal, when the door 
 again slowly opened, and Mr Emmanuel crawled up to me. 
 
 4 Mishter Newland, I vash beg your pardon, but vill you 
 not pay me de interest of de monish ?' 
 
 I started up from my chair, with my rattan in my hand. 
 < Begone, you old thief,' cried I ; and hardly were the words 
 out of my mouth, before Mr. Emmanuel travelled out of the 
 room, and I never saw him afterwards. I was pleased with 
 myself for having done this act of honesty, and for the first 
 time for a long while I ate my dinner with some zest. After 
 I had finished, I took a twenty pound note, and laid it in my 
 desk, the remainder of the five hundred pounds I put in my 
 pocket, to try my last chance. In an hour I quitted the hell 
 penniless. When I returned home I had composed myself a 
 little after the dreadful excitement which I had been under. 
 I felt a calm, and a degree of negative happiness. I knew 
 my fate there was no more suspense. I sat down to reflect 
 upon what I should do. I was to commence the world again 
 to sink down at once into obscurity into poverty and I 
 felt happy. I had severed the link between myself and my 
 
 267 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 former condition I was again a beggar, but I was independ- 
 ent and I resolved so to be. I spoke kindly to Timothy, 
 went to bed, and having arranged in my own mind how I 
 should act, I fell sound asleep. 
 
 I never slept better, or awoke more refreshed. The next 
 morning I packed up my portmanteau, taking with me only 
 the most necessary articles ; all the details of the toilet, 
 further than cleanliness was concerned, I abjured. When 
 Timothy came in, I told him that I was going down to Lady 
 de Clare's, which I intended to do. Poor Timothy was over- 
 joyed at the change in my manner, little thinking that he was 
 so soon to lose me for, reader, I had made up my mind that 
 I would try my fortunes alone ; and, painful as I felt would be 
 the parting with so valued a friend, I was determined that I 
 would no longer have even his assistance or company. I was 
 determined to forget all that had passed, and commence the 
 world anew. I sat down while Timothy went out to take a 
 place in the Richmond coach, and wrote to him the following 
 letter : 
 
 ' MY DEAR TIMOTHY Do not think that I undervalue 
 your friendship, or shall ever forget your regard for me, when 
 I tell you that we shall probably never meet again. Should 
 fortune favour me, I trust we shall but of that there is little 
 prospect. I have lost almost everything : my money is all 
 gone, my house is sold, and all is gambled away. I leave 
 you, with only my clothes in my portmanteau and twenty 
 pounds. For yourself, there is the furniture, which you must 
 sell, as well as every other article left behind. It is all yours, 
 and I hope you will find means to establish yourself in some 
 way. God bless you and believe me always and gratefully 
 yours, 
 
 ' JAPHET NEWLAND.' 
 
 This letter I reserved to put in the post when I quitted 
 Richmond. My next letter was to Mr. Masterton. 
 
 < SIR Your note I received, and I am afraid that, un- 
 wittingly, you have been the occasion of my present condition. 
 That I did not deserve the language addressed to me, you 
 may satisfy yourself by applying to Mr. Harcourt. Driven to 
 desperation, I have lost all I had in the world, by adding 
 
 268 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 gaming to my many follies. I now am about to seek my 
 fortune, and prosecute my search after my father. You will, 
 therefore, return my most sincere acknowledgments to Lord 
 Windermear for his kind offers and intentions, and assure 
 him that my feelings towards him will always be those of 
 gratitude and respect. For yourself, accept my warmest 
 thanks for the friendly advice and kind interest which you 
 have shown in my welfare, and believe me, when I say, that 
 my earnest prayers shall be offered up for your happiness. If 
 you can, in any way, assist my poor friend Timothy, who 
 will, I have no doubt, call upon you in his distress, you will 
 confer an additional favour on, 
 
 1 Yours, ever gratefully, 
 
 ' JAPHET NEWLAND.' 
 
 I sealed this letter, and when Timothy returned, I told 
 him that I wished him, after my departure, to take it to Mr. 
 Masterton's, and not wait for an answer. I then, as I had an 
 hour to spare before the coach started, entered into a con- 
 versation with Timothy. I pointed out to him the unfortunate 
 condition in which I found myself, and my determination to 
 quit the metropolis. 
 
 Timothy agreed with me. ' I have seen you so unhappy 
 of late I may say, so miserable that I have neither eaten 
 nor slept. Indeed, Japhet, I have lain in bed and wept, for 
 my happiness depends upon yours. Go where you will, I am 
 ready to follow and to serve you, and as long as I see you 
 comfortable, I care for nothing else.' 
 
 These words of Timothy almost shook my resolution, and 
 I was near telling him all ; but when I recollected, I refrained. 
 'My dear Timothy,' said I, 'in this world we must expect to 
 meet with a checkered existence ; we may laugh at one time, 
 but we must cry at others. I owe my life to you, and I never 
 shall forget you, wherever I may be.' 
 
 ' No,' replied Timothy, ' you are not likely to forget one 
 who is hardly an hour out of your sight.' 
 
 ' Very true, Timothy ; but circumstances may occur which 
 may separate us.' 
 
 ' I cannot imagine such circumstances, nor do I believe, 
 that bad as things may turn out, that they will ever be so bad 
 as that. You have your money and your house ; if you leave 
 
 269 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 London, you will be able to add to your income by letting 
 your own apartments furnished, so we never shall want ; and 
 we may be very happy running about the world, seeking what 
 we wish to find. 3 
 
 My heart smote me when Timothy said this, for I felt, by 
 his devotion and fidelity, he had almost the same claim to the 
 property I possessed as myself. He had been my partner, 
 playing the inferior game, for the mutual benefit. ' But the 
 time may come, Timothy, when we may find ourselves without 
 money, as we were when we first commenced our career, and 
 shared three-pence halfpenny each, by selling the old woman 
 the embrocation.' 
 
 * Well, sir, and let it come. I should be sorry for you, but 
 not for myself, for then Tim would be of more importance, 
 and more useful, than as valet with little or nothing to do.' 
 
 I mentally exclaimed, * I have, I think I have, been a fool, 
 a great fool, but the die is cast. I will sow in sorrow, and 
 may I reap a harvest in joy. I feel,' thought I (and I did 
 feel), ' I feel a delightful conviction, that we shall meet again, 
 and all this misery of parting will be but a subject of future 
 garrulity.' ' Yes, Tim,' said I, in a loud voice, * all is right.' 
 
 'All's right, sir; I never thought anything was wrong, 
 except your annoyance at people not paying you the attention 
 which they used to do, when they supposed you a man of 
 fortune.' 
 
 * Very true ; and Tim, recollect that if Mr. Masterton speaks 
 to you about me, which he may after I am gone to Richmond, 
 you tell him that before I left, I paid that old scoundrel 
 Emmanuel every farthing that I had borrowed of him, and 
 you know (and in fact so does Mr. Masterton) how it was 
 borrowed.' 
 
 * Well, sir, I will, if he does talk to me, but he seldom says 
 much to me.' 
 
 ' But he may, perhaps, Tim ; and I wish him to know that 
 I have paid every debt I owe in the world.' 
 
 * One would think that you were going to the East Indies, 
 instead of to Richmond, by the way you talk.' 
 
 ' No, Tim ; I was offered a situation in the East Indies, 
 and I refused it ; but Mr. Masterton and I have not been on 
 good terms lately, and I wish him to know that I am out of 
 debt. You know, for I told you all that passed between 
 
 270 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Emmanuel and myself, how he accepted five hundred pounds, 
 and I paid him the thousand ; and I wish Mr. Masterton 
 should know it too, and he will then be better pleased with 
 me.' 
 
 ' Never fear, sir, 5 said Tim, ' I can tell the whole story with 
 flourishes. 3 
 
 ' No, Tim, nothing but the truth ; but it is time I should 
 go. Farewell, my dear fellow. May God bless you and 
 preserve you. 3 And, overcome by my feelings, I dropped my 
 face on Timothy's shoulder, and wept. 
 
 ' What is the matter ? What do you mean, Japhet ? Mr. 
 Newland pray, sir, what is the matter?' 
 
 'Timothy it is nothing, 3 replied I, recovering myself, 'but 
 I have been ill ; nervous lately, as you well know, and even 
 leaving the last and only friend I have, I may say for a few 
 days, annoys and overcomes me. 3 
 
 { Oh ! sir dear Japhet, do let us leave this house, and sell 
 your furniture, and be off. 3 
 
 1 1 mean that it shall be so, Tim. God bless you, and 
 farewell. 5 I went downstairs, the hackney-coach was at the 
 door. Timothy put in my portmanteau, and mounted the box. 
 I wept bitterly. My readers may despise me, but they ought 
 not ; let them be in my situation, and feel that they have one 
 sincere faithful friend, and then they will know the bitterness 
 of parting. I recovered myself before I arrived at the coach, 
 and shaking hands with Timothy, I lost sight of him ; for how 
 long, the reader will find out in the sequel of my adventures. 
 
 I arrived at Lady de Clare's, and hardly need say that I 
 was well received. They expressed their delight at my so 
 soon coming again, and made a hundred inquiries but I was 
 unhappy and melancholy, not at my prospects, for in my 
 infatuation I rejoiced at my anticipated beggary but I wished 
 to communicate with Fleta, for so I still call her. Fleta had 
 known my history, for she had been present when I had 
 related it to her mother, up to the time that I arrived in 
 London ; further than that she knew little. I was determined 
 that before I quitted she should know all. I dared not trust 
 the last part to her when I was present, but I resolved that I 
 would do it in writing. 
 
 Lady de Clare made no difficulty whatever of leaving me 
 with Fleta. She was now a beautiful creature, of between 
 
 271 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 fifteen and sixteen, bursting into womanhood, and lovely as 
 the bud of the moss-rose ; and she was precocious beyond her 
 years in intellect. I stayed there three days, and had frequent 
 opportunities of conversing with her ; I told her that I wished 
 her to be acquainted with my whole life, and interrogated her 
 as to what she knew : I carefully filled up the chasms, until I 
 brought it down to the time at which I placed her in the arms 
 of her mother. 'And now, Fleta,' said I, 'you have much 
 more to learn you will learn that much at my departure. I 
 have dedicated hours every night in writing it out ; and, as 
 you will find, have analysed my feelings, and have pointed out 
 to you where I have been wrong. I have done it for my 
 amusement, as it may be of service even to a female. 5 
 
 On the third day I took my leave, and requesting the pony- 
 chaise of Lady de Clare, to take me over to , that I might 
 
 catch the first coach that went westward for I did not care 
 which I put into Fleta's hands the packet which I had 
 written, containing all that had passed, and I bid her farewell. 
 
 ' Lady de Clare, may you be happy,' said I. ' Fleta 
 Cecilia, I should say, may God bless and preserve you, and 
 sometimes think of your sincere friend, Japhet Newland.' 
 
 'Really, Mr. Newland,' said Lady de Clare, 'one would 
 think we were never to see you again.' 
 
 ' I hope that will not be the case, Lady de Clare, for I 
 know nobody to whom I am more devoted.' 
 
 ' Then, sir, recollect we are to see you very soon.' 
 
 I pressed her ladyship's hand, and left the house. Thus 
 did I commence my second pilgrimage. 
 
 CHAPTER LVII 
 
 My new career is not very prosperous at its commencement I am robbed, 
 and accused of being a robber I bind up wounds, and am accused 
 of having inflicted them I get into a horse- pond, and out of it into 
 gaol. 
 
 I HAD proceeded half a mile from the house, when I desired 
 the servant to turn into a cross-road so as to gain Brentford ; 
 and, so soon as I arrived, the distance being only four miles, 
 
 272 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I ordered him to stop at a public-house, saying that I would 
 wait till the coach should pass by. I then gave him half-a- 
 crown, and ordered him to go home. I went into the inn 
 with my portmanteau, and was shown into a small back 
 parlour ; there I remained about half an hour reflecting upon 
 the best plan that I could adopt. 
 
 Leaving the ale that I had called for untasted, I paid for 
 it, and, with the portmanteau on my shoulder, I walked away 
 until I arrived at an old clothes' shop. I told the Jew who 
 kept it, that I required some clothes, and also wanted to dis- 
 pose of my own portmanteau and all my effects. I had a great 
 rogue to deal with ; but after much chaffering, for I now felt 
 the value of money, I purchased from him two pair of corduroy 
 trousers, two waistcoats, four common shirts, four pairs of 
 stockings, a smock-frock, a pair of high-lows, and a common 
 hat. For these I gave up all my portmanteau, with the 
 exception of six silk handkerchiefs, and received fifty shillings, 
 when I ought to have received, at least, ten pounds ; but I 
 could not well help myself, and I submitted to the extortion. 
 I dressed myself in my more humble garments, securing my 
 money in the pocket of my trousers unobserved by the Jew, 
 made up a bundle of the rest, and procured a stick from the 
 Jew to carry it on, however not without paying him threepence 
 for it, he observing that the stick 'wash not in de bargain.' 
 Thus attired, I had the appearance of a countryman well to 
 do, and I set off through the long dirty main street of Brent- 
 ford, quite undecided and indifferent as to the direction I 
 should take. I walked about a mile, when I thought that it 
 was better to come to some decision previous to my going 
 farther ; and perceiving a bench in front of a public-house, I 
 went to it and sat down. I looked around, and it immediately 
 came to my recollection that I was sitting on the very bench 
 on which Timothy and I had stopped to eat our meal of pork, 
 at our first outset upon our travels. Yes, it was the very 
 same ! Here sat I, and there sat Timothy, two heedless boys, 
 with the paper containing the meat, the loaf of bread, and the 
 pot of beer between us. Poor Timothy ! I conjured up his 
 unhappiness when he had received my note acquainting him 
 with our future separation. I remembered his fidelity, his 
 courage in defence, and his preservation of my life in Ireland, 
 and a tear or two coursed down my cheek. 
 T 273 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I remained some time in a deep reverie, during which the 
 various circumstances and adventures of my life passed in a 
 rapid panorama before me. I felt that I had little to plead in 
 my own favour, much to condemn that I had passed a life 
 of fraud and deceit. I also could not forget that when I had 
 returned to honesty, I had been scouted by the world. ' And 
 here I am,' thought I, ' once more with the world before me ; 
 and it is just that I should commence again, for I started in a 
 wrong path. At least, now I can satisfactorily assert that I 
 am deceiving nobody, and can deservedly receive no con- 
 tumely. I am Japhet Newland, and not in disguise.' I felt 
 happy with this reflection, and made a determination, what- 
 ever my future lot might be, that, at least, I would pursue the 
 path of honesty. I then began to reflect upon another point, 
 which was, whither I should bend my steps, and what I 
 should do to gain my livelihood. 
 
 Alas ! that was a subject of no little difficulty to me. A 
 person who has been brought up to a profession naturally 
 reverts to that profession but to what had I been brought 
 up ? As an apothecary true ; but I well knew the difficulty 
 of obtaining employment in what is termed a liberal profession, 
 without interest or recommendation ; neither did I wish for 
 close confinement, as the very idea was irksome. As a 
 mountebank, a juggler, a quack doctor I spurned the very 
 idea. It was a system of fraud and deceit. What then could 
 I do ? I could not dig, to beg I was ashamed. I must trust 
 to the chapter of accidents, and considering how helpless I 
 was, such trust was but a broken reed. At all events, I had 
 a sufficient sum of money, upwards of twenty pounds, to exist 
 upon with economy for some time. 
 
 I was interrupted by a voice calling out, ' Hilloa ! my lad, 
 come and hold this horse a moment.' I looked up and 
 perceived a person on horseback looking at me. * Do you 
 hear, or are you stupid ? ' cried the man. My first feeling 
 was to knock him down for his impertinence, but my bundle 
 lying beside, reminded me of my situation and appearance, and 
 I rose and walked towards the horse. The gentleman, for 
 such he was in appearance, dismounted, and throwing the 
 rein on the horse's neck, told me to stand by him for half a 
 minute. He went into a respectable -looking house opposite 
 the inn, and remained nearly half an hour, during which I 
 
 274 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 was becoming very impatient, and kept an anxious eye upon 
 my bundle, which lay on the seat. At last he came out, and 
 mounting his horse looked in my face with some degree of 
 surprise. ' Why, what are you ? ' said he, as he pulled out a 
 sixpence, and tendered it to me. 
 
 I was again nearly forgetting myself, affronted at the idea 
 of sixpence being offered to me ; but I recovered myself, 
 saying, as I took it, * A poor labouring man, sir.' 
 
 ' What, with those hands ? ' said he, looking at them as I 
 took the money ; and then looking at my face, he continued, 
 ' I think we have met before, my lad I cannot be sure ; you 
 know best I am a Bow Street magistrate. 3 
 
 In a moment I remembered that he was the very 
 magistrate before whom I had twice made my appearance. I 
 coloured deeply, and made no reply. 
 
 'Well, my lad, I'm not on my bench now, and this 
 sixpence you have earned honestly. I trust you will continue 
 in the right path. Be careful I have sharp eyes.' So 
 saying, he rode off. 
 
 I never felt more mortified. It was evident that he 
 considered me as one who was acting a part for unworthy 
 purposes ; perhaps one of the swell mob or a flash pickpocket 
 rusticating until some hue and cry was over. 'Well, well,' 
 thought I, as I took up a lump of dirt and rubbed over my 
 then white hands, ' it is my fate to be believed when I 
 deceive, and to be mistrusted when I am acting honestly ' ; 
 and I returned to the bench for my bundle, which was gone. 
 I stared with astonishment. 'Is it possible?' thought I. 
 * How dishonest people are ! Well, I will not carry another 
 for the present. They might as well have left me my stick.' 
 So thinking, and without any great degree of annoyance at the 
 loss, I returned from the bench and walked away, I knew not 
 whither. It was now getting dark, but I quite forgot that it 
 was necessary to look out for a lodging ; the fact is, that I 
 had been completely upset by the observations of the 
 magistrate, and the theft of my bundle ; and, in a sort of 
 brown study, from which I was occasionally recalled for a 
 moment by stumbling over various obstructions, I continued 
 my walk on the pathway until I was two or three miles away 
 from Brentford. I was within a mile of Hounslow, when I 
 was roused by the groans of some person, and it being now 
 
 275 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 dark, I looked round, trying to catch by the ear the direction 
 in which to offer my assistance. They proceeded from the 
 other side of a hedge, and I crawled through, where I found a 
 man lying on the ground, covered with blood about the head, 
 and breathing heavily. I untied his neckcloth, and, as well 
 as I could, examined his condition. I bound his handkerchief 
 round his head, and perceiving that the position in which he 
 was lying was very unfavourable, his head and shoulders 
 being much lower than his body, I was dragging the body 
 round so as to raise those parts, when I heard footsteps and 
 voices. Shortly after, four people burst through the hedge 
 and surrounded me. 
 
 ' That is him, I'll swear to it,' cried an immense stout man, 
 seizing me ; * that is the other fellow who attacked me, and 
 ran away. He has come to get off his accomplice, and now 
 we've just nicked them both.' 
 
 * You are very much mistaken,' replied I, ' and you have 
 no need to hold me so tight. I heard the man groan, and I 
 came to his assistance.' 
 
 ' That gammon won't do,' replied one of them, who was a 
 constable ; ' you'll come along with us, and we may as well 
 put on the darbies] continued he, producing a pair of 
 handcuffs. 
 
 Indignant at the insult, I suddenly broke from him who 
 held me, and darting at the constable, knocked him down, 
 and then took to my heels across the ploughed field. The 
 whole four pursued, but I rather gained upon them, and was 
 in hopes to make my escape. I ran for a gap I perceived in 
 the hedge, and sprang over it, without minding the old adage 
 of ' Look before you leap ' ; for, when on the other side, 
 I found myself in a deep and stagnant pit of water and mud. 
 I sank over head, and with difficulty extricated myself from 
 the mud at the bottom, and when at the surface I was equally 
 embarrassed with the weeds at the top, among which I 
 floundered. In the meantime my pursuers, warned by the 
 loud splash, had paused when they came to the hedge, and 
 perceiving my situation, were at the brink of the pit watching 
 for my coming out. All resistance was useless. I was 
 numbed with cold and exhausted by my struggles, and when 
 I gained the bank I surrendered at discretion. 
 
 276 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LVIII 
 
 Worse and worse If out of gaol, it will be to go out of the world I am 
 resolved to take my secret with me. 
 
 THE handcuffs were now put on without resistance on my part, 
 and I was led away to Hounslow by the two constables, while 
 the others returned to secure the wounded man. On my 
 arrival I was thrust into the clink, or lock-up house, as the 
 magistrates would not meet that evening, and there I was left to 
 my reflections. Previously, however, to this, I was searched, and 
 my money, amounting, as I before stated, to upwards of twenty 
 pounds, taken from me by the constables ; and what I had 
 quite forgotten, a diamond solitaire ring, which I had intended 
 to have left with my other bijouterie for Timothy, but in my 
 hurry, when I left London, I had allowed to remain upon my 
 finger. The gaol was a square building, with two unglazed 
 windows secured with thick iron bars, and the rain having 
 beat in, it was more Jike a pound for cattle, for it was not 
 even paved, and the ground was three or four inches deep in 
 mud. There was no seat in it, and there I was the whole of 
 the night walking up and down shivering in my wet clothes, in 
 a state of mind bordering on insanity. Reflect upon what was 
 likely to happen, I could not. I only ran over the past. I 
 remembered what I had been, and felt cruelly the situation I 
 was in. Had I deserved it ? I thought not. * O father 
 father ! ' exclaimed I, bitterly, ' see to what your son is 
 brought handcuffed as a felon ! God have mercy on my 
 brain, for I feel that it is wandering. Father, father alas, I 
 have none ! had you left me at the asylum, without any clue, 
 or hopes of a clue, to my hereafter being reclaimed, it would 
 have been a kindness ; I should then have been happy and 
 contented in some obscure situation ; but you raised hopes 
 only to prostrate them and imaginings which have led to my 
 destruction. Sacred is the duty of a parent, and heavy must 
 be the account of those who desert their children, and are 
 required by Heaven to render up an account of the important 
 trust. Couldst thou, O father, but now behold thy son ! 
 
 278 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 God Almighty ! but I will not curse you, father ! No, 
 
 no ' and I burst into tears, as I leant against the damp 
 
 walls of the prison. 
 
 The day at last broke, and the sun rose, and poured his 
 beaming rays through the barred windows. I looked at 
 myself, and was shocked at my appearance : my smock-frock 
 was covered with black mud, my clothes were equally 
 disfigured. I had lost my hat when in the water, and I felt 
 the dry mud cracking on my cheeks. I put my hands up to 
 my head, and pulled a quantity of duck-weed out of my matted 
 and tangled hair. I thought of the appearance I should make 
 when summoned before the magistrates, and how much it 
 would go against me. ' Good God ! ' thought I, ' who, of all 
 the world of fashion who, of all those who once caught my 
 salutation so eagerly who, of all those worldly-minded girls, 
 who smiled upon me but one short twelvemonth, since would 
 imagine, or believe, that Japhet Newland could ever have 
 sunk so low and how has he so fallen ? Alas ! because he 
 would be honest, and had strength of mind enough to adhere 
 to his resolution. Well, well, God's will be done ; I care not 
 for life ; but still an ignominious death to go out of the 
 world like a dog, and that too without finding out who is my 
 father.' And I put my fettered hands up and pressed my 
 burning brow, and remained in a sort of apathetic sullen mood, 
 until I was startled by the opening of the door, and the 
 appearance of the constables. They led me out among the 
 crowd, through which, with difficulty, they could force their 
 way ; and followed by the majority of the population of 
 Hounslow, who made their complimentary remarks upon the 
 footpad, I was brought before the magistrates. The large 
 stout man was then called up to give his evidence, and deposed 
 as follows : 
 
 ' That he was walking to Hounslow from Brentford, 
 whither he had been to purchase some clothes, when he was 
 accosted by two fellows in smock-frocks, one of whom carried 
 a bundle in his left hand. They asked him what o'clock it 
 was ; and he took out his watch to tell them, when he received 
 a blow from the one with the bundle (this one, sir, said he, 
 pointing to me) on the back of his head ; at the same time 
 the other (the wounded man who was now in custody) snatched 
 his watch. That at the time he had purchased his clothes at 
 
 279 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Brentford, he had also bought a bag of shot, fourteen pounds 
 weight, which he had, for the convenience of carrying, tied up 
 with the clothes in the bundle ; and perceiving that he was 
 about to be robbed, he had swung his bundle round his head, 
 and with the weight of the shot, had knocked down the man 
 who had snatched at his watch. He then turned to the other 
 (me), who backed from him, and struck at him with his stick. 
 (The stick was here produced ; and when I cast my eye on it, 
 I was horrified to perceive that it was the very stick which I 
 had bought of the Jew for threepence, to carry my bundle on.) 
 He had closed in with me, and was wresting the stick out of 
 my hand, when the other man, who had recovered his legs, 
 again attacked him with another stick. In the scuffle he 
 had obtained my stick, and I had wrested from him his 
 bundle, with which, as soon as he had knocked down my 
 partner, I ran off. That he beat my partner until he was 
 insensible, and then found that I had left my own bundle, 
 which in the affray I had thrown on one side. He then made 
 the best of his way to Hounslow to give the information. 3 
 His return and finding me with the other man is already known 
 to the readers. 
 
 The next evidence who came forward was the Jew, from 
 whom I had bought the clothes and sold my own. He 
 narrated all that had occurred, and swore to the clothes in the 
 bundle left by the footpad, and to the stick which he had sold 
 to me. The constable then produced the money found about 
 my person and the diamond solitaire ring, stating my attempt 
 to escape when I was seized. The magistrate then asked me 
 whether I had anything to say in my defence, cautioning me 
 not to commit myself. 
 
 I replied, that I was innocent ; that it was true that I had 
 sold my own clothes, and had purchased those of the Jew, as 
 well as the stick : that I had been asked to hold the horse of a 
 gentleman when sitting on a bench opposite a public-house, 
 and that some one had stolen my bundle and my stick. 
 That I had walked on towards Hounslow, and, in assisting a 
 fellow -creature, whom I certainly had considered as having 
 been attacked by others, I had merely yielded to the common 
 feelings of humanity that I was seized when performing that 
 duty, and should willingly have accompanied them to the 
 magistrate's, had not they attempted to put on handcuffs, at 
 
 280 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 which my feelings were roused, and I knocked the constable 
 down, and made my attempt to escape. 
 
 ' Certainly, a very ingenious defence,' observed one of the 
 
 magistrates ; ' pray where ' At this moment the door 
 
 opened, and in came the very gentleman, the magistrate at 
 Bow Street, whose horse I had held. ' Good morning, Mr. 
 Norman ; you have just come in time to render us your 
 assistance. We have a very deep hand to deal with here, or 
 else a very injured person, I cannot tell which. Do us the 
 favour to look over these informations and the defence of the 
 prisoner, previous to our asking him any more questions.' 
 
 The Bow Street magistrate complied, and then turned to 
 me, but I was so disguised with mud that he could not recog- 
 nise me. 
 
 ' You are the gentleman, sir, who asked me to hold your 
 horse,' said I. ' I call you to witness, that that part of my 
 assertion is true. 3 
 
 ' I do now recollect that you are the person,' replied he, 
 'and you may recollect the observation I made, relative 
 to your hands, when you stated that you were a poor country- 
 man.' 
 
 ' I do, sir, perfectly,' replied I. 
 
 ' Perhaps then you will inform us by what means a 
 diamond ring and twenty pounds in money came into your 
 possession ? ' 
 
 ' Honestly, sir,' replied I. 
 
 ' Will you state, as you are a poor countryman, with whom 
 you worked last what parish you belong to and whom you 
 can bring forward in proof of good character ? ' 
 
 ' I certainly shall not answer those questions,' replied I : 
 ' if I chose, I might so do, and satisfactorily.' 
 
 ' What is your name ? ' 
 
 ' I cannot answer that question either, sir,' replied I. 
 
 ' I told you yesterday that we had met before ; was it 
 not at Bow Street ? ' 
 
 ' I am surprised at your asking a question, sir, from the 
 bench, to which, if I answered, the reply might affect me 
 considerably. I am here in a false position, and cannot well 
 help myself. I have no friends that I choose to call, for 
 I should blush that they should see me in such a state, and 
 under such imputations.' 
 
 281 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Your relations, young man, would certainly not be back- 
 ward. Who is your father ? ' 
 
 * My father ! ' exclaimed I, raising up my hands and eyes. 
 ' My father ! Merciful God ! if he could only see me here 
 see to what he has reduced his unhappy son/ and I 
 covered my face and sobbed convulsively. 
 
 CHAPTER LIX 
 
 By the committing of magisterial mistakes I am personally and penally 
 committed I prepare for my trial by calling in the assistance of 
 the tailor and the perfumer I am resolved to die like a gentleman. 
 
 ' IT is indeed a pity, a great pity, 3 observed one of the 
 magistrates, 'such a fine young man, and evidently, by his 
 demeanour and language, well brought up ; but I believe,' 
 said he, turning to the others, * we have but one course ; 
 what say you, Mr. Norman ? ' 
 
 ' I am afraid that my opinion coincides with yours, 
 and that the grand jury will not hesitate to find a bill, as 
 the case stands at present. Let us, however, ask the 
 witness Armstrong one question. Do you positively swear 
 to this young man being one of the persons who attacked 
 you?' 
 
 ' It was not very light at the time, sir, and both the 
 men had their faces smutted; but it was a person just his 
 size, and dressed in the same way, as near as I can recollect.' 
 
 ' You cannot, therefore, swear to his identity ? ' 
 
 ' No, sir ; but to the best of my knowledge and belief, 
 he is the man.' 
 
 'Take that evidence down as important,' said Mr. 
 Norman ; ' it will assist him at his trial.' 
 
 The evidence was taken down, and then my commitment 
 to the county gaol was made out. I was placed in a cart, 
 between two constables, and driven off. On my arrival I 
 was put into a cell, and my money returned to me, but 
 the ring was detained, that it might be advertised. At 
 last, I was freed from the manacles ; and when the prison 
 dress was brought to me to put on, in lieu of my own clothes, 
 
 282 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I requested leave from the gaoler to wash myself, which 
 was granted ; and, strange to say, so unaccustomed had I 
 been to such a state of filth, that I felt a degree of happiness, 
 as I returned from the pump in the prison-yard, and I put 
 on the prison dress almost with pleasure ; for, degrading as 
 it was, at all events it was new and clean. I then returned 
 to my cell, and was left to my meditations. 
 
 Now that my examination and committal were over, I 
 became much more composed, and was able to reflect 
 coolly. I perceived the great danger of my situation how 
 strong the evidence was against me and how little chance 
 I had of escape. As for sending to Lord Windermear, 
 Mr. Masterton, or those who formerly were acquainted with 
 me, my pride forbade it I would sooner have perished on 
 the scaffold. Besides, their evidence as to my former 
 situation in life, although it would perhaps satisfactorily 
 account for my possession of the money and the ring, and 
 for my disposing of my portmanteau all strong presumptive 
 evidence against me would not destroy the evidence 
 brought forward as to the robbery, which appeared to be 
 so very conclusive to the bench of magistrates. My only 
 chance appeared to be in the footpad, who had not escaped, 
 acknowledging that I was not his accomplice ; and I felt 
 how much I was interested in his recovery, as well as in 
 his candour. The assizes, I knew, were near at hand, and 
 I anxiously awaited the return of the gaoler, to make a few 
 inquiries. At night he looked through the small square 
 cut out of the top of the door of the cell, for it was his duty 
 to go his rounds and ascertain if all his prisoners were safe. 
 I then asked him if I might be allowed to make a few 
 purchases, such as pens, ink, and paper, etc. As I was 
 not committed to prison in punishment, but on suspicion, 
 this was not denied, although it would have been to those 
 who were condemned to imprisonment and hard labour for 
 their offences ; and he volunteered to procure them for me 
 the next morning. I then wished him a good-night, and 
 threw myself on my mattress. Worn out with fatigue and 
 distress of mind, I slept soundly, without dreaming, until 
 daylight the next morning. As I awoke, and my scattered 
 senses were returning, I had a confused idea that there 
 was something which weighed heavily on my mind, which 
 
 283 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 sleep had banished from my memory. ' What is it ? 3 
 thought I ; and as I opened my eyes, so did I remember 
 that I, Japhet Newland, who but two nights before was 
 pressing the down of luxury in the same habitation as Lady 
 de Clare and her lovely child, was now on a mattress in 
 the cell of a prison, under a charge which threatened me 
 with an ignominious death. I rose, and sat on the bed, 
 for I had not thrown off my clothes. My first thoughts 
 were directed to Timothy. Should I write to him? No, 
 no ! why should I make him miserable ? If I was to suffer, 
 it should be under an assumed name. But what name? 
 Here I was interrupted by the gaoler, who opened the door, 
 and desired me to roll up my mattress and bed-clothes, that 
 they might, as was the custom, be taken out of the cell 
 during the day. 
 
 My first inquiry was, if the man who had been so much 
 hurt was in the gaol. 
 
 * You mean your 'complice,' replied the gaoler. ' Yes, 
 he is here, and has recovered his senses. The doctor says 
 he will do very well.' 
 
 1 Has he made any confession ?' inquired I. 
 The gaoler made no reply. 
 
 * I ask that question,' continued I, ' because if he acknow- 
 ledges who was his accomplice, I shall be set at liberty.' 
 
 1 Very likely,' replied the man, sarcastically ; ' the fact 
 is, there is no occasion for king's evidence in this case, or 
 you might get off by crossing the water ; so you must 
 trust to your luck. The grand jury meet to-day, and I 
 will let you know whether a true bill is found against you 
 or not.' 
 
 * What is the name of the other man ? ' inquired I. 
 
 ' Well, you are a good un to put a face upon a matter, 
 I will say. You would almost persuade me, with that 
 innocent look of yours, that you know nothing about the 
 business.' 
 
 ' Nor do I,' replied I. 
 
 'You will be fortunate if you can prove as much, that's 
 all.' 
 
 ' Still, you have not answered my question : what is the 
 other man's name ? ' 
 
 'Well,' replied the gaoler, laughing, 'since you are 
 284 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 determined I shall tell you, I will. It must be news to you, 
 with a vengeance. His name is Bill Ogle, alias Swamping 
 Bill. I suppose you never heard that name before ? ' 
 
 ' I certainly never did,' replied I. 
 
 ' Perhaps you do not know your own name ? Yet I can 
 tell it you, for Bill Ogle has blown upon you so far.' 
 
 'Indeed,' replied I; 'and what name has he given to 
 me?' 
 
 'Why, to do him justice, it wasn't until he saw a copy 
 of the depositions before the magistrates, and heard how 
 you were nabbed in trying to help him off, that he did tell 
 it ; and then he said, " Well, Phill Maddox always was a 
 true un, and I'm mortal sony that he's in fort, by looking 
 a'ter me." Now do you know your own name ?' 
 
 ' I certainly do not,' replied I. 
 
 ' Well, did you ever hear of one who went by the name 
 of Phill Maddox ? ' 
 
 ' I never did,' replied I ; ' and I am glad that Ogle has 
 disclosed so much.' 
 
 c Well, I never before met with a man who didn't know his 
 own name, or had the face to say so, and expect to be be- 
 lieved ; but never mind, you are right to be cautious, with the 
 halter looking you in the face.' 
 
 1 God ! O God ! ' exclaimed I, throwing myself on the 
 bedstead, and covering up my face, ' give me strength to bear 
 even that, if so it must be.' 
 
 The gaoler looked at me for a time. ' I don't know what 
 to make of him he puzzles me quite, certainly. Yet it's no 
 mistake.' 
 
 'It is a mistake,' replied I, rising; 'but whether the mis- 
 take will be found out until too late, is another point. However, 
 it is of little consequence. What have I to live for, unless 
 to find out who is my father ? ' 
 
 ' Find out your father ! what's in the wind now ? well, it 
 beats my comprehension altogether. But did not you say you 
 wished me to get you something ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied I ; and I gave him some money, with 
 directions to purchase me implements for writing, some 
 scented wax, a tooth-brush, and tooth-powder, eau de cologne, 
 hair-brush and comb, razors, small looking-glass, and various 
 implements for my toilet, 
 
 285 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' This is a rum world,' said the man, repeating what I asked 
 for, as I put two guineas in his hand. ' I've purchased many 
 an article for a prisoner, but never heard of such rattletraps 
 afore ; however, that be all the same. You will have them, 
 though what ho de colum is I can't tell, nor dang me if I shall re- 
 collect not poison, be it, for that is not allowed in the prison ? ' 
 
 ' No, no,' replied I, indulging in momentary mirth at the 
 idea ; ' you may inquire, and you will find that it's only taken 
 by ladies who are troubled with the vapours.' 
 
 ' Now I should ha' thought that you'd have spent your 
 money in the cookshop, which is so much more natural. 
 However, we all have our fancies'; so saying, he quitted the 
 cell, and locked the door. 
 
 CHAPTER LX 
 
 I am condemned to be hung by the neck until I am dead, and to go out 
 of the world without finding out who is my father Afterwards my 
 innocence is made manifest, and I am turned adrift a maniac in the 
 high road. 
 
 IT may appear strange to the reader that I sent for the above- 
 mentioned articles, but habit is second nature, and although, 
 two days before, when I set out on my pilgrimage, I had 
 resolved to discard these superfluities, yet now in my distress 
 I felt as if they would comfort me. That evening, after 
 rectifying a few mistakes on the part of the good-tempered 
 gaoler, by writing down what I wanted on the paper which he 
 had procured me, I obtained all that I required. 
 
 The next morning he informed me that the grand jury had 
 found a true bill against me, and that on the Saturday next 
 the assizes would be held. He also brought me the list of 
 trials, and I found that mine would be one of the last, and 
 would not probably come on until Monday or Tuesday. I 
 requested him to send for a good tailor, as I wished to be 
 dressed in a proper manner, previous to appearing in court. 
 As a prisoner is allowed to go into court in his own clothes 
 instead of the gaol dress, this was consented to ; and when 
 the man came, I was very particular in my directions, so much 
 
 286 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 so, that it surprised him. He also procured me the other 
 articles I required to complete my dress, and on Saturday 
 night I had them all ready ; for I was resolved that I would 
 at least die as a gentleman. 
 
 Sunday passed away, not as it ought to have passed, 
 certainly. I attended prayers, but my thoughts were else- 
 where how, indeed, could it be otherwise ? Who can control 
 his thoughts ? He may attempt so to do, but the attempt is 
 all that can be made. He cannot command them. I heard 
 nothing, my mind was in a state of gyration, whirling round 
 from one thing to the other, until I was giddy from intensity 
 of feeling. 
 
 On Monday morning the gaoler came and asked me 
 whether I would have legal advice. I replied in the negative. 
 ' You will be called about twelve o'clock, I hear,' continued he ; 
 ' it is now ten, and there is only one more trial before yours, 
 about the stealing of four geese, and half-a-dozen fowls. 3 
 
 * Good God ! ' thought I, ' and am I mixed up with such 
 deeds as these ? ' I dressed myself with the utmost care and 
 precision, and never was more successful. My clothes were 
 black, and fitted well. About one o'clock I was summoned 
 by the gaoler, and led between him and another to the court- 
 house, and placed in the dock. At first my eyes swam, and 
 I could distinguish nothing, but gradually I recovered. I 
 looked round, for I had called up my courage. My eyes 
 wandered from the judge to the row of legal gentlemen below 
 him; from them to the well-dressed ladies who sat in the 
 gallery above ; behind me I did not look. I had seen enough, 
 and my cheeks burnt with shame. At last I looked at my 
 fellow-culprit, who stood beside me, and his eyes at the same 
 time met mine. He was dressed in the gaol clothes, of 
 pepper and salt coarse cloth. He was a rough, vulgar, brutal- 
 looking man, but his eye was brilliant, his complexion was 
 dark, and his face was covered with whiskers. * Good 
 heavens ! ' thought I, * who will ever imagine or credit that 
 we have been associates ? ' 
 
 The man stared at me, bit his lip, and smiled with con- 
 tempt, but made no further remark. The indictment having 
 been read, the clerk of the court cried out, 'You, Benjamin 
 Ogle, having heard the charge, say, guilty or not guilty?' 
 
 ' Not guilty,' replied the man, to my astonishment. 
 287 
 
' / was placed in the dock.' 
 Copyright 1894 by Maanillan & Co 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' You, Philip Maddox, guilty or not guilty ? ' 
 
 I did not answer. 
 
 ' Prisoner,' observed the judge in a mild voice, ' you must 
 answer, Guilty or Not guilty. It is merely a form.' 
 
 ' My lord,' replied I, * my name is not Philip Maddox.' 
 
 'That is the name given in the indictment by the evidence 
 of your fellow-prisoner,' observed the judge ; ' your real name 
 we cannot pretend to know. It is sufficient that you answer 
 to the question of whether you, the prisoner, are guilty or not 
 guilty.' 
 
 ' Not guilty, my lord, most certainly,' replied I, placing my 
 hand to my heart, and bowing to him. 
 
 The trial proceeded ; Armstrong was the principal evidence. 
 To my person he would not swear. The Jew proved my 
 selling my clothes, purchasing those found in the bundle, and 
 the stick, of which Armstrong possessed himself. The clothes 
 I had on at the time of my capture were produced in court. 
 As for Ogle, his case was decisive. We were then called 
 upon for our defence. Ogle's was very short. ' He had been 
 accustomed to fits all his life was walking to Hounslow, and 
 had fallen down in a fit. It must have been somebody else 
 who had committed the robbery and had made off, and he 
 had been picked up in a mistake.' This defence appeared to 
 make no other impression than ridicule, and indignation at the 
 barefaced assertion. I was then called on for mine. 
 
 ' My lord,' said I, ' I have no defence to make except that 
 which I asserted before the magistrates, that I was performing 
 an act of charity towards a fellow-creature, and was, through 
 that, supposed to be an accomplice. Arraigned before so 
 many upon a charge, at the bare accusation of which my blood 
 revolts, I cannot and will not allow those who might prove 
 what my life has been, and the circumstances which induced 
 me to take up the disguise in which I was taken, to appear in 
 my behalf. I am unfortunate, but not guilty. One only 
 chance appears to be open to me, which is, in the candour of 
 the party who now stands by me. If he will say to the court 
 that he ever saw me before, I will submit without murmur to 
 my sentence.' 
 
 * I'm sorry that you've put that question, my boy,' replied 
 the man,'for I have seen you before'; and the wretch chuckled 
 with repressed laughter. 
 
 U 289 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I was so astonished, so thunderstruck with this assertion, 
 that I held down my head, and made no reply. The judge 
 then summed up the evidence to the jury, pointing out to 
 them, that of Ogle's guilt there could be no doubt, and of 
 mine, he was sorry to say, but little. Still they must bear in 
 mind that the witness Armstrong could not swear to my 
 person. The jury, without leaving the box, consulted together 
 a short time, and brought in a verdict of guilty against 
 Benjamin Ogle and Philip Maddox. I heard no more the 
 judge sentenced us both to execution : he lamented that so 
 young and prepossessing a person as myself should be about 
 to suffer for such an offence : he pointed out the necessity of 
 condign punishment, and gave us no hopes of pardon or 
 clemency. But I heard him not I did not fall, but I was in 
 a state of stupor. At last, he wound up his sentence by pray- 
 ing us to prepare ourselves for the awful change, by an appeal 
 
 to that heavenly Father 'Father!' exclaimed I, in a 
 
 voice which electrified the court, ' did you say my father ? 
 
 God ! where is he ? ' and I fell down in a fit. The hand- 
 kerchiefs of the ladies were applied to their faces, the whole 
 court were moved, for I had, by my appearance, excited 
 considerable interest, and the judge, with a faltering, subdued 
 voice, desired that the prisoners might be removed. 
 
 * Stop one minute, my good fellow,' said Ogle to the gaoler, 
 while others were taking me out of court. * My lord, I've 
 something rather important to say. Why I did not say it 
 before, you shall hear. You are a judge, to condemn the 
 guilty, and release the innocent. We are told that there is no 
 trial like an English jury, but this I say, that many a man is 
 hung for what he never has been guilty of. You have con- 
 demned that poor young man to death. I could have pre- 
 vented it if I had chosen to speak before, but I would not, that I 
 might prove how little there is of justice. He had nothing to 
 do with the robbery Phill Maddox was the man, and he is not 
 Philip Maddox. He said that he never saw me before, nor do 
 
 1 believe that he ever did. As sure as I shall hang, he is 
 innocent.' 
 
 ' It was but now, that when appealed to by him, you stated 
 that you had seen him before.' 
 
 * So I did, and I told the truth I had seen him before. I 
 saw him go to hold the gentleman's horse, but he did not see 
 
 290 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 me. I stole his bundle and his stick, which he left on the 
 bench, and that's how they were found in our possession. 
 Now you have the truth, and you may either acknowledge 
 that there is little justice, by eating your own words, and let- 
 ting him free, or you may hang him, rather than acknowledge 
 that you are wrong. At all events, his blood will now be on 
 your hands, and not mine. If Phill Maddox had not turned 
 tail, like a coward, I should not have been here ; so I tell the 
 truth to save him who was doing me a kind act, and to let 
 him swing who left me in the lurch.' 
 
 The judge desired that this statement might be taken down, 
 that further inquiry might be made, intimating to the jury that 
 I should be respited for the present ; but of all this I was ignor- 
 ant. As there was no placing confidence in the assertions of 
 such a man as Ogle, it was considered necessary that he 
 should repeat his assertions at the last hour of his existence, 
 and the gaoler was ordered not to state what had passed to 
 me, as he might excite false hopes. 
 
 When I recovered from my fit, I found myself in the 
 gaoler's parlour, and as soon as I was able to walk, I was 
 locked up in a condemned cell. The execution had been 
 ordered to take place on the Thursday, and I had two days to 
 prepare. In the meantime, the greatest interest had been 
 excited with regard to me. My whole appearance so evi- 
 dently belied the charge, that every one was in my favour. 
 Ogle was requestioned, and immediately gave a clue for the 
 apprehension of Maddox, who, he said, he hoped would swing 
 by his side. 
 
 The gaoler came to me the next day, saying, that some of 
 the magistrates wished to speak with me ; but as I had made 
 up my mind not to reveal my former life, my only reply was, 
 * That I begged they would allow me to have my last 
 moments to myself.' I recollected Melchior's idea of destiny, 
 and imagined that he was right. * It was my destiny,' 
 thought I ; and I remained in a state of stupor. The fact 
 was, that I was very ill, my head was heavy, my brain was on 
 fire, and the throbbing of my heart could have been perceived 
 without touching my breast. 
 
 I remained on the mattress all day, and all the next night, 
 with my face buried in the clothes ! I was too ill to raise my 
 head. On Wednesday morning I felt myself gently pushed 
 
 291 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 on the shoulder by some one ; I opened my eyes ; it was a 
 clergyman. I turned away my head, and remained as before. 
 I was then in a violent fever. He spoke for some time : 
 occasionally I heard a word, and then relapsed into a state of 
 mental imbecility. He sighed, and went away. 
 
 Thursday came, and the hour of death, but time was by 
 me unheeded, as well as eternity. In the meantime Maddox 
 had been taken, and the contents of Armstrong's bundle found 
 in his possession ; and when he discovered that Ogle had 
 been evidence against him, he confessed to the robbery. 
 
 Whether it was on Thursday or Friday I knew not then, 
 but I was lifted off the bed, and taken before somebody 
 something passed, but the fever had mounted up to my head, 
 and I was in a state of stupid delirium. Strange to say, they 
 did not perceive my condition, but ascribed it all to abject fear 
 of death. I was led away I had made no answer but I 
 was free. 
 
 CHAPTER LXI 
 
 When at the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, one is sure to rise as it turns 
 round I recover my senses, and find myself amongst friends. 
 
 I THINK some people shook me by the hand, and others 
 shouted as I walked in the open air, but I recollect no more. 
 I afterwards was informed that I had been reprieved, that I 
 had been sent for, and a long exhortation delivered to me, for 
 it was considered that my life must have been one of error, or 
 I should have applied to my friends, and have given my 
 name. My not answering was attributed to shame and con- 
 fusion my glassy eye had not been noticed my tottering 
 step when led in by the gaolers attributed to other causes ; 
 and the magistrates shook their heads as I was led out of 
 their presence. The gaoler had asked me several times where 
 I intended to go. At last I had told him, to seek my father, 
 and darting away from him I had run like a madman down 
 the street. Of course he had no longer any power over me : 
 but he muttered as I fled from him, ' I've a notion he'll soon 
 be locked up again, poor fellow ! it's turned his brain for 
 certain.' 
 
 292 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 As I tottered along, my unsteady step naturally attracted 
 the attention of the passers-by ; but they attributed it to in- 
 toxication. Thus was I allowed to wander away in a state of 
 madness, and before night I was far from the town. What 
 passed, and whither I had bent my steps, I cannot tell. All 
 I know is, that after running like a maniac, seizing everybody 
 by the arm that I met, staring at them with wild and flashing 
 eyes ; and sometimes in a solemn voice, at others, in a loud, 
 threatening tone, startling them with the interrogatory, * Are 
 you my father ?' and then darting away, or sobbing like a 
 child, as the humour took me, I had crossed the country ; 
 and three days afterwards I was picked up at the door of a 
 house in the town of Reading, exhausted with fatigue and 
 exposure, and nearly dead. When I recovered, I found my- 
 self in bed, my head shaved, my arm bound up, after repeated 
 bleedings, and a female figure sitting by me. 
 
 ' God in heaven ! where am I ? ' exclaimed I faintly. 
 
 ' Thou hast called often upon thy earthly father during the 
 time of thy illness, friend,' replied a soft voice. ' It rejoice th 
 me much to hear thee call upon thy Father which is in heaven. 
 Be comforted, thou art in the hands of those who will be 
 mindful of thee. Offer up thy thanks in one short prayer, for 
 thy return to reason, and then sink again into repose, for thou 
 must need it much.' 
 
 I opened my eyes wide, and perceived that a young person 
 in a Quaker's dress was sitting by the bed working with her 
 needle ; an open Bible was on a little table before her. I per- 
 ceived also a cup, and parched with thirst, I merely said, 
 ' Give me to drink.' She arose, and put a teaspoon to my 
 lips ; but I raised my hand, took the cup from her, and 
 emptied it. Oh, how delightful was that draught ! I sank 
 down on my pillow, for even that slight exertion had over- 
 powered me, and muttering, ' God, I thank thee !' I was 
 immediately in a sound sleep, from which I did not awake for 
 many hours. When I did, it was not daylight. A lamp was 
 on the table, and an old man in a Quaker's dress was snoring 
 very comfortably in the arm-chair. I felt quite refreshed with 
 my long sleep, and was now able to recall what had passed. 
 I remembered the condemned cell and the mattress upon 
 which I lay, but all after was in a state of confusion. Here 
 and there a fact or supposition was strong in my memory ; 
 
 293 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 but the intervals between were total blanks. I was, at all 
 events, free, that I felt convinced of, and that I was in the 
 hands of the sect who denominate themselves Quakers : but 
 where was I ? and how did I come here ? I remained think- 
 ing on the past, and wondering, until the day broke, and with 
 the daylight roused up my watchful attendant. He yawned, 
 stretched his arms, and rising from the chair, came to the side 
 of my bed. I looked him in the face. ' Hast thou slept well, 
 friend ? ' said he. 
 
 * I have slept as much as I wish, and would not disturb 
 you] replied I, * for I wanted nothing.' 
 
 1 Peradventure I did sleep,' replied the man; 'watching 
 long agreeth not with the flesh, although the spirit is most 
 willing. Requirest thou anything ?' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied I, ' I wish to know where I am.' 
 
 * Verily, thou art in the town of Reading, in Berkshire, and 
 in the house of Pheneas Cophagus.' 
 
 ' Cophagus !' exclaimed I ; ' Mr. Cophagus, the surgeon 
 and apothecary ?' 
 
 ' Pheneas Cophagus is his name ; he hath been admitted 
 into our sect, and hath married a daughter of our persuasion. 
 He hath attended thee in thy fever and thy frenzy, without 
 calling in the aid of the physician, therefore do I believe that 
 he must be the man of whom thou speakest ; yet doth he not 
 follow up the healing art for the lucre of gain.' 
 
 * And the young person who was at my bedside, is she his 
 wife ?' 
 
 4 Nay, friend, she is half-sister to the wife of Pheneas 
 Cophagus by a second marriage, and a maiden, who was 
 named Susannah Temple at the baptismal font ; but I will go 
 to Pheneas Cophagus and acquaint him of your waking, for 
 such were his directions.' 
 
 The man then quitted the room, leaving me quite 
 astonished with the information he had imparted. Cophagus 
 turned Quaker ! and attending me in the town of Reading. 
 In a short time Mr. Cophagus himself entered in his dressing- 
 gown. ' Japhet !' said he, seizing my hand with eagerness, 
 and then, as if recollecting, he checked himself, and com- 
 menced in a slow tone, ' Japhet Newland truly glad am I 
 hum verily do I rejoice you, Ephraim get out of the room 
 and so on.' 
 
 294 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'Yea, I will depart, since it is thy bidding,' replied the 
 man, quitting the room. 
 
 Mr. Cophagus then greeted me in his usual way told me 
 that he had found me insensible at the door of a house a little 
 way off, and had immediately recognised me. He had 
 brought me to his own home, but without much hope of my 
 recovery. He then begged to know by what strange chance I 
 had been found in such a desolate condition. I replied, 
 ' that although I was able to listen, I did not feel myself equal 
 to the exertion of telling so long a story, and that I should in- 
 finitely prefer that he should narrate to me what had passed 
 since we had parted at Dublin, and how it was that I now 
 found that he had joined the sect of Quakers. 3 
 
 ' Peradventure long word that um queer people very 
 good and so on,' commenced Mr. Cophagus ; but as the 
 reader will not understand his phraseology quite so well as I 
 did, I shall give Mr. Cophagus's history in my own version. 
 
 Mr. Cophagus had returned to the small town at which he 
 resided, and, on his arrival, he had been called upon by a 
 gentleman who was of the Society of Friends, requesting that 
 he would prescribe for a niece of his, who was on a visit at 
 his house, and had been taken dangerously ill. Cophagus, 
 with his usual kindness of heart, immediately consented, and 
 found that Mr. Temple's report was true. For six weeks he 
 attended the young Quakeress, and recovered her from an 
 imminent and painful disease, in which she showed such 
 fortitude and resignation, and such unconquerable good 
 temper, that when Mr. Cophagus returned to his bachelor's 
 establishment, he could not help reflecting upon what an in- 
 valuable wife she would make, and how much more cheerful 
 his house would be with such a domestic partner. 
 
 In short, Mr. Cophagus fell in love, and like all elderly 
 gentlemen who have so long bottled up their affections, he 
 became most desperately enamoured ; and if he loved Miss 
 Judith Temple when he witnessed her patience and resigna- 
 tion under suffering, how much more did he love her when he 
 found that she was playful, merry, and cheerful, without being 
 boisterous, when restored to her health. Mr. Cophagus's 
 attentions could not be misunderstood. He told her uncle 
 that he had thought seriously of wedding-cake white favours 
 marriage family and so on ; and to the young lady he 
 
 295 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 had put his cane up to his nose and prescribed, ' A dose of 
 matrimony to be taken immediately.' To Mr. Cophagus 
 there was no objection raised by the lady, who was not in her 
 teens, or by the uncle, who had always respected him as a 
 worthy man, and a good Christian ; but to marry one who was 
 not of her persuasion, was not to be thought of. Her friends 
 would not consent to it. Mr. Cophagus was therefore dis- 
 missed, with a full assurance that the only objection which 
 offered was that he was not of their society. 
 
 Mr. Cophagus walked home discomforted. He sat down 
 on his easy chair, and found it excessively uneasy he sat 
 down to his solitary meal, and found that his own company 
 was unbearable he went to bed, but found that it was im- 
 possible to go to sleep. The next morning, therefore, Mr. 
 Cophagus returned to Mr. Temple, and stated his wish to be 
 made acquainted with the difference between the tenets of the 
 Quaker persuasion and those of the Established Church. Mr. 
 Temple gave him an outline, which appeared to Mr. Cophagus 
 to be very satisfactory, and then referred him to his niece for 
 fuller particulars. When a man enters into an argument with 
 a full desire to be convinced, and with his future happiness 
 perhaps depending upon that conviction ; and when, further, 
 those arguments are brought forward by one of the prettiest 
 voices, and backed by the sweetest of smiles, it is not to be 
 wondered at his soon becoming a proselyte. Thus it was with 
 Mr. Cophagus, who in a week discovered that the peace, 
 humility, and good -will, upon which the Quaker tenets are 
 founded, were much more congenial to the true spirit of the 
 Christian revelation than the Athanasian Creed, to be sung or 
 said in our Established Churches ; and with this conviction, 
 Mr. Cophagus requested admission into the fraternity; and 
 shortly after his admission, it was thought advisable by the 
 Friends that his faith should be confirmed and strengthened 
 by his espousal of Miss Judith Temple, with whom, at her 
 request and he could refuse her nothing he had repaired to 
 the town of Reading, in which her relations all resided ; and 
 Pheneas Cophagus, of the Society of Friends, declared himself 
 to be as happy as a man could be. ' Good people, Japhet urn 
 honest people, Japhet don't fight little stiff spirit moves 
 and so on,' said Mr. Cophagus, as he concluded his narrative, 
 and then shaking me by the hand, retired to shave and dress. 
 
 296 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LXII 
 
 I fall in love with religion when preached by one who has the form of 
 an angel. 
 
 IN half an hour afterwards Ephraim came in with a draught, 
 which I was desired to take by Mr. Cophagus, and then to try 
 and sleep. This was good advice, and I followed it. I awoke 
 after a long, refreshing sleep, and found Mr. and Mrs. Cophagus 
 sitting in the room, she at work and he occupied with a book. 
 When I opened my eyes, and perceived a female, I looked to 
 ascertain if it was the young person whom Ephraim had stated 
 to be Susannah Temple ; not that I recollected her features 
 exactly, but I did the contour of her person. Mrs. Cophagus 
 was taller, and I had a fair scrutiny of her before they per- 
 ceived that I was awake. Her face was very pleasing, features 
 small and regular. She appeared to be about thirty years of 
 age, and was studiously neat and clean in her person. Her 
 Quaker's dress was not without some little departure from the 
 strict fashion and form, sufficient to assist, without deviating 
 from, its simplicity. If I might use the term, it was a little 
 coquettish, and evinced that the wearer, had she not belonged 
 to that sect, would have shown great taste in the adornment 
 of her person. 
 
 Mr. Cophagus, although he did not think so himself, as I 
 afterwards found out, was certainly much improved by his 
 change of costume. His spindle shanks, which, as I have 
 before observed, were peculiarly at variance with his little 
 orbicular, orange-shaped stomach, were now concealed in loose 
 trousers, which took off from the protuberance of the latter, 
 and added dignity to the former, blending the two together, so 
 that his roundness became fine by degrees, and beautifully less 
 as it descended. Altogether, the Quaker dress added very 
 much to the substantiability of his appearance, and was a 
 manifest improvement, especially when he wore his broad- 
 brimmed hat. Having satisfied my curiosity, I moved the 
 curtain so as to attract their attention, and Cophagus came to 
 my bedside, and felt my pulse. * Good very good all right 
 
 297 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 little broth throw in bark on his legs well as ever 
 and so on.' 
 
 ' I am indeed much better this afternoon,' replied I ; 
 ' indeed, so well, that I feel as if I could get up.' 
 
 ' Pooh : tumble down never do lie abed get strong 
 wife Mrs. Cophagus Japhet old friend.' 
 
 Mrs. Cophagus had risen from her chair, and come towards 
 the bed, when her husband introduced her in his own fashion. 
 * I am afraid that I have been a great trouble, madam,' said I. 
 
 * Japhet Newland, we have done but our duty, even if thou 
 wert not, as it appears that thou art, a friend of my husband. 
 Consider me, therefore, as thy sister, and I will regard thee a*s 
 a brother ; and if thou wouldst wish it, thou shalt sojourn with 
 us, for so hath my husband communicated his wishes unto me.' 
 
 I thanked her for her kind expressions, and took the fair 
 hand which was offered in such amity. Cophagus then asked 
 me if I was well enough to inform him of what had passed 
 since our last meeting, and telling me that his wife knew my 
 whole history, and that I might speak before her, he took his 
 seat by the side of the bed, his wife also drew her chair nearer, 
 and I commenced the narrative of what had passed since we 
 parted in Ireland. When I had finished, Mr. Cophagus com- 
 menced as usual, ' Um very odd lose money bad grow 
 honest good run away from friends bad not hung good 
 brain fever bad come here good stay with us quite 
 comfortable and so on.' 
 
 ' Thou hast suffered much, friend Japhet,' said Mrs. 
 Cophagus, wiping her eyes ; ' and I would almost venture to 
 say, hast been chastised too severely, were it not that those 
 whom He loveth, He chastiseth. Still thou art saved, and 
 now out of danger ; peradventure thou wilt now quit a vain 
 world, and be content to live with us ; nay, as thou hast the 
 example of thy former master, it may perhaps please the Lord 
 to advise thee to become one of us, and to join us as a Friend. 
 My husband was persuaded to the right path by me,' continued 
 she, looking fondly at him ; ' who knoweth but some of our 
 maidens may also persuade thee to eschew a vain, unrighteous 
 world, and follow thy Redeemer in humility ? ' 
 
 'Very true um very true,' observed Cophagus, putting 
 more Quakerism than usual in his style, and drawing out his 
 urns to treble their usual length ; ' happy life Japhet um 
 
 298 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 all at peace quiet amusements think about it urn no 
 hurry never swear by and by, heh ! spirit may move urn 
 not now talk about it get well set up shop and so on. ; 
 
 1 She was sitting close to the light and reading.' 
 
 I was tired with talking so much, and having taken some 
 nourishment, again fell asleep. When I awoke in the evening, 
 friend Cophagus and his wife were not in the room ; but 
 Susannah Temple, whom I had first seen, and of whom I had 
 
 299 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 made inquiry of Ephraim, who was Cophagus's servant. She 
 was sitting close to the light and reading, and long did I 
 continue to gaze upon her, fearful of interrupting her. She 
 was the most beautiful specimen of clear and transparent white 
 that I ever had beheld her complexion was unrivalled her 
 eyes were large, but I could not ascertain their colour, as they 
 were cast down upon her book, and hid by her long fringed 
 eyelashes her eyebrows arched and regular, as if drawn by a 
 pair of compasses, and their soft hair in beautiful contrast with 
 her snowy forehead her hair was auburn, but mostly con- 
 cealed within her cap her nose was very straight but not 
 very large, and her mouth was perfection. She appeared to 
 be between seventeen and eighteen years old, as far as I could 
 ascertain : her figure was symmetrically perfect. Dressed as 
 she was in the modest, simple garb worn by the females of the 
 Society of Friends, she gave an idea of neatness, cleanliness, 
 and propriety upon which I could have gazed for ever. She 
 was, indeed, most beautiful. I felt her beauty, her purity, and 
 I could have worshipped her as an angel. While I still had 
 my eyes fixed upon her exquisite features, she closed her book, 
 and rising from her chair, came to the side of the bed. That 
 she might not be startled at the idea of my having been watch- 
 ing her, I closed my eyes, and pretended to slumber. She 
 resumed her seat, and then I changed my position and spoke, 
 * Is any one there ?' 
 
 'Yes, friend Newland, what is it that thou requirest?' 
 said she, advancing. Wouldst thou see Cophagus or 
 Ephraim ? I will summon them.' 
 
 ' Oh no,' replied I ; * why should I disturb them from their 
 amusements or employments ? I have slept a long while, 
 and I would like to read a little, I think, if my eyes are not 
 too weak.' 
 
 4 Thou must not read, but I may read unto thee,' replied 
 Susannah. ' Tell me, what is it that thou wouldest have me 
 read ? I have no vain books ; but surely thou thinkest not of 
 them, after thy escape from death.' 
 
 * I care not what is read, provided that you read to me,' 
 replied I. 
 
 ' Nay, but thou shouldest care ; and be not wroth if I say 
 to thee, that there is but one book to which thou shouldest 
 now listen. Thou hast been saved from deadly peril thou 
 
 300 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 hast been rescued from the jaws of death. Art thou not 
 thankful ? And to whom is gratitude most due, but to thy 
 heavenly Father, who hath been pleased to spare thee ? 5 
 
 ' You are right,' replied I ; ' then I pray you to read to me 
 from the Bible.' 
 
 Susannah made no reply, but resumed her seat ; and 
 selecting those chapters most appropriate to my situation, 
 read them in a beautiful and impressive tone. 
 
 CHAPTER LXIII 
 
 Pride and love at issue The latter is victorious I turn Quaker, 
 and recommence my old profession. 
 
 IF the reader will recall my narrative to his recollection, he 
 must observe, that religion had had hitherto but little of my 
 thoughts. I had lived the life of most who live in this world ; 
 perhaps not quite so correct in morals as many people, for my 
 code of morality was suited to circumstances ; as to religion, 
 I had none. I had lived in the world, and for the world. I 
 had certainly been well instructed in the tenets of our faith 
 when I was at the Asylum, but there, as in most other schools, 
 it is made irksome, as a task, and is looked upon with almost 
 a feeling of aversion. No proper religious sentiments are, 
 or can be, inculcated to a large number of scholars ; it is the 
 parent alone who can instil, by precept and example, that true 
 sense of religion, which may serve as a guide through life. I 
 had not read the Bible from the time that I quitted the 
 Foundling Hospital. It was new to me, and when I now 
 heard read, by that beautiful creature, passages equally beauti- 
 ful, and so applicable to my situation, weakened by disease, 
 and humbled in adversity, I was moved, even unto tears. 
 
 Susannah closed the book and came to the bedside. I 
 thanked her : she perceived my emotion, and when I held 
 out my hand she did not refuse hers. I kissed it, and it was 
 immediately withdrawn, and she left the room. Shortly after- 
 wards Ephraim made his appearance. Cophagus and his 
 wife also came that evening, but I saw no more of Susannah 
 
 301 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Temple until the following day, when I again requested her to 
 read to me. 
 
 I will not detain the reader by an account of my recovery. 
 In three weeks I was able to leave the room ; during that 
 time, I had become very intimate with the whole family, and 
 was treated as if I belonged to it. During my illness I had 
 certainly shown more sense of religion than I had ever done 
 before, but I do not mean to say that I was really religious. 
 I liked to hear the Bible read by Susannah, and I liked to 
 talk with her upon religious subjects ; but had Susannah 
 been an ugly old woman, I very much doubt if I should have 
 been so attentive. It was her extreme beauty her modesty 
 and fervour, which so became her, which enchanted me. I 
 felt the beauty of religion, but it was through an earthly object ; 
 it was beautiful in her. She looked an angel, and I listened 
 to her precepts as delivered by one. Still, whatever may be 
 the cause by which a person's attention can be directed to so 
 important a subject, so generally neglected, whether by fear of 
 death, or by love towards an earthly object, the advantages 
 are the same ; and although very far from what I ought to 
 have been, I certainly was, through my admiration of her, a 
 better man. 
 
 As soon as I was on the sofa wrapped up in one of the 
 dressing-gowns of Mr. Cophagus, he told me that the clothes 
 in which I had been picked up were all in tatters, and asked 
 me whether I would like to have others made according to 
 the usual fashion, or like those with whom I should, he trusted, 
 in future reside. I had already debated this matter in my 
 mind. Return to the world I had resolved not to do ; to 
 follow up the object of my search appeared to me only to 
 involve me in difficulties ; and what were the intentions of 
 Cophagus with regard to me, I knew not. I was hesitating, 
 for I knew not what answer to give, when I perceived the 
 pensive, deep-blue eye of Susannah fixed upon me, watching 
 attentively, if not eagerly, for my response. 
 
 It decided the point. ' If,' replied I, ' you do not think 
 that I should disgrace you, I should wish to wear the dress of 
 the Society of Friends, although not yet one of your body.' 
 
 ' But soon to be, I trust,' replied Mrs. Cophagus. 
 
 ' Alas ! ' replied I, * I am an outcast ; ; and I looked at 
 Susannah Temple. 
 
 302 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Not so, Japhet Newland,' replied she, mildly : * I am 
 pleased that thou hast of thy own accord rejected vain attire. 
 I trust that thou wilt not find that thou art without friends/ 
 
 ' / knew not what answer to give. ' 
 
 'While I am with you,' replied I, addressing myself to 
 them all, ' I consider it my duty to conform to your manners 
 in every way, but by and by, when I resume my search ' 
 
 303 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' And why shouldst thou resume a search which must 
 prove unavailing, and but leads thee into error and misfortune ? 
 I am but young, Japhet Newland, and not perhaps so able to 
 advise, yet doth it appear to me, that the search can only be 
 availing when made by those who left thee. When they wish 
 for you they will seek thee, but thy seeking them is vain and 
 fruitless.' 
 
 * But,' replied I, ' recollect that inquiries have already been 
 made at the Foundling, and those who inquired have been 
 sent away disappointed they will inquire no more.' 
 
 'And is a parent's love so trifling, that one disappointment 
 will drive him from seeking of his child ? No, no, Japhet ; 
 if thou art yearned for, thou wilt be found, and fresh inquiries 
 will be made ; but thy search is unavailing, and already hast 
 thou lost much time. 5 
 
 'True, Susannah, thy advice is good,' replied Mrs. Coph- 
 agus ; ' in following a shadow Japhet hath much neglected 
 the substance ; it is time that thou shouldst settle thyself, and 
 earn thy livelihood.' 
 
 'And do thy duty in that path of life to which it hath 
 pleased God to call thee,' continued Susannah, who with Mrs. 
 Cophagus walked out of the room. 
 
 Cophagus then took up the conversation, and pointing out 
 the uselessness of my roving about, and the propriety of my 
 settling in life, proposed that I should take an apothecary's 
 shop, for which he would furnish the means, and that he could 
 insure me the custom of the whole Society of Friends in 
 Reading, which was very large, as there was not one of the 
 sect in that line of business. ' Become one of us, Japhet 
 good business marry by and by happy life little children 
 and so on.' I thought of Susannah, and was silent. Cophagus 
 then said, I had better reflect upon his offer, and make up my 
 determination. If that did not suit me, he would still give me 
 all the assistance in his power. 
 
 I did reflect long before I could make up my mind. I 
 was still worldly inclined ; still my fancy would revel in the 
 idea of finding out my father in high life, and, as once more 
 appearing as a star of fashion, of returning with interest the 
 contumely I had lately received, and reassuming as a right that 
 position in society which I had held under false colours. 
 
 I could not bear the idea of sinking at once into a trades- 
 
 34 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 man, and probably ending my days in obscurity. Pride was 
 still my ruling passion. Such were my first impulses, and 
 then I looked upon the other side of the picture. I was 
 without the means necessary to support myself; I could not 
 return to high life without I discovered my parents in the first 
 place, and in the second, found them to be such as my warm 
 imagination had depicted. I had no chance of finding them. 
 I had already been long seeking in vain. I had been twice 
 taken up to Bow Street nearly lost my life in Ireland had 
 been sentenced to death had been insane, and recovered by 
 a miracle, and all in prosecuting this useless search. All this 
 had much contributed to cure me of the monomania. I 
 agreed with Susannah that the search must be made by the 
 other parties, and not by me. I recalled the treatment I had 
 received from the world the contempt with which I had 
 been treated the heartlessness of high life, and the little 
 chance of my ever again being admitted into fashionable 
 society. 
 
 I placed all this in juxtaposition with the kindness of those 
 with whom I now resided what they had done already for 
 me, and what they now offered, which was to make me 
 independent by my own exertions. I weighed all in my 
 mind ; was still undecided, for my pride still carried its 
 weight ; when I thought of the pure, beautiful Susannah 
 Temple, and my decision was made. I would not lose the 
 substance by running after shadows. 
 
 That evening, with many thanks, I accepted the kind 
 offers of Mr. Cophagus, and expressed my determination of 
 entering into the Society of Friends. 
 
 * Thou hast chosen wisely,' said Mrs. Cophagus, extending 
 her hand to me, ' and it is with pleasure that we shall receive 
 thee.' 
 
 ' I welcome thee, Japhet Newland,' said Susannah, also 
 offering her hand, 'and I trust that thou wilt find more 
 happiness among those with whom thou art about to sojourn, 
 than in the world of vanity and deceit, in which thou hast 
 hitherto played thy part. No longer seek an earthly father, 
 who hath deserted thee, but a heavenly Father, who will not 
 desert thee in thy afflictions.' 
 
 'You shall direct me into the right path, Susannah,' 
 replied I. 
 
 * 305 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I am too young to be a guide, Japhet,' replied she, 
 smiling ; but not too young, I hope, to be a friend.' 
 
 The next day my clothes came home, and I put them on. 
 I looked at myself in the glass, and was anything but 
 pleased ; but as my head was shaved, it was of little conse- 
 quence what I wore ; so I consoled myself. Mr. Cophagus 
 sent for a barber and ordered me a wig, which was to be 
 ready in a few days ; when it was ready I put it on, and 
 altogether did not dislike my appearance. I flattered myself 
 that if I was a Quaker, at all events I was a very good-looking 
 and a very smart one ; and when, a day or two afterwards, a 
 reunion of Friends took place at Mr. Cophagus's house to 
 introduce me to them, I perceived, with much satisfaction, 
 that there was no young man who could compete with me. 
 After this, I was much more reconciled to my transformation. 
 
 CHAPTER LXIV 
 
 I prosper in every way, and become reconciled to my situation. 
 
 MR. COPHAGUS was not idle. In a few weeks he had rented 
 a shop for me, and furnished it much better than his own in 
 Smithfield ; the upper part of the house was let off, as I was 
 to reside with the family. When it was ready, I went over it 
 with him, and was satisfied ; all I wished for was Timothy as 
 an assistant, but that wish was unavailing, as I knew not 
 where to find him. 
 
 That evening I observed to Mr. Cophagus, that I did not 
 much like putting my name over the shop. The fact was, 
 that my pride forbade it, and I could not bear the idea, that 
 Japhet Newland, at whose knock every aristocratic door had 
 flown open, should appear in gold letters above a shop-window. 
 ' There are many reasons against it,' observed I. ' One is, 
 that it is not my real name I should like to take the name 
 of Cophagus ; another is, that the name, being so well known, 
 may attract those who formerly knew me, and I should not 
 wish that they should come in and mock me ; another is 
 
 4 Japhet Newland,' interrupted Susannah, with more severity 
 than I ever had seen in her sweet countenance, 'do not 
 
 306 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 trouble thyself with giving thy reasons, seeing thou hast given 
 every reason but the right one, which is, that thy pride revolts 
 at it.' 
 
 ' I was about to observe,' replied I, ' that it was a name 
 that sounded of mammon, and not fitting for one of our 
 persuasion. But, Susannah, you have accused me of pride, 
 and I will now raise no further objections. Japhet Newland it 
 shall be, and let us speak no more upon the subject. 3 
 
 * If I have wronged thee, Japhet, much do I crave thy 
 forgiveness,' replied Susannah. ' But it is God alone who 
 knoweth the secrets of our hearts. I was presumptuous ; and 
 you must pardon me.' 
 
 ' Susannah, it is I who ought to plead for pardon ; you 
 know me better than I know myself. It was pride, and 
 nothing but pride but you have cured me.' 
 
 ' Truly have I hopes of thee now, Japhet,' replied Susannah, 
 smiling. ' Those who confess their faults will soon amend 
 them yet I do think there is some reason in thy observation, 
 for who knoweth, but meeting with thy former associates, 
 thou mayst not be tempted into falling away ? Thou mayst 
 spell thy name as thou listest ; and, peradventure, it would be 
 better to disguise it.' 
 
 So agreed Mr. and Mrs. Cophagus, and I therefore had it 
 written Gnoiv-\and ; and having engaged a person of the 
 society, strongly recommended to me, as an assistant, I took 
 possession of my shop, and was very soon busy in making up 
 prescriptions, and dispensing my medicines in all quarters of 
 the good town of Reading. 
 
 And I was happy. I had enjoyment during the day ; my 
 profession was, at all events, liberal. I was dressed and 
 lived as a gentleman, or rather I should say respectably. I 
 was earning my own livelihood. I was a useful member of 
 society, and when I retired home to meals, and late at night, 
 I found, that if Cophagus and his wife had retired, Susannah 
 Temple always waited up, and remained with me a few 
 minutes. I had never been in love until I had fallen in with 
 this perfect creature ; but my love for her was not the love of 
 the world ; I could not so depreciate her I loved her as a 
 superior being I loved her with fear and trembling. I felt 
 that she was too pure, too holy, too good for a vain worldly 
 creature like myself. I felt as if my destiny depended upon 
 
 307 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 her and her fiat ; that if she favoured me, my happiness in 
 this world and in the next were secured ; that if she rejected me, 
 I was cast away for ever. Such was my feeling for Susannah 
 Temple, who, perfect as she was, was still a woman, and 
 perceived her power over me ; but unlike the many of her 
 sex, exerted that power only to lead to what was right. 
 Insensibly almost, my pride was quelled, and I became 
 humble and religiously inclined. Even the peculiarities of 
 the sect, their meeting at their places of worship, their 
 drawling, and their quaint manner of talking, became no 
 longer a subject of dislike. I found out causes and good 
 reasons for everything which before appeared strange 
 sermons in stones, and good in everything. Months passed 
 away my business prospered I had nearly repaid the 
 money advanced by Mr. Cophagus. I was in heart and soul 
 a Quaker, and I entered into the fraternity with a feeling that 
 I could act up to what I had promised. I was happy, quite 
 happy, and yet I had never received from Susannah Temple 
 any further than the proofs of sincere friendship. But I had 
 much of her society, and we were now very, very intimate. I 
 found out what warm, what devoted feelings were concealed 
 under her modest, quiet exterior how well her mind was 
 stored, and how right was that mind. 
 
 Often when I talked over past events, did I listen to her 
 remarks, all tending to one point, morality and virtue ; often 
 did I receive from her at first a severe, but latterly a kind 
 rebuke, when my discourse was light and frivolous ; but when 
 I talked of merry subjects which were innocent, what could be 
 more joyous or more exhilarating than her laugh what more 
 intoxicating than her sweet smile, when she approved of my 
 sentiments ! and when animated by the subject, what could 
 be more musical or more impassioned than her bursts of 
 eloquence, which were invariably followed by a deep blush, 
 when she recollected how she had been carried away by 
 excitement. 
 
 There was one point upon which I congratulated myself, 
 which was, that she had received two or three unexceptionable 
 offers of marriage during the six months that I had been in 
 her company, and refused them. At the end of that period, 
 thanks to the assistance I received from the Friends, I had 
 paid Mr. Cophagus all the money which he had advanced, and 
 
 308 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 found myself in possession of a flourishing business, and inde- 
 pendent. I then requested that I might be allowed to pay an 
 annual stipend for my board and lodging, commencing from 
 the time I first came to his house. Mr. Cophagus said I was 
 right the terms were easily arranged, and I was independent. 
 Still my advances with Susannah were slow, but if slow, 
 they were sure. One day I observed to her, how happy Mr. 
 Cophagus appeared to be as a married man : her reply was, 
 ' He is, Japhet : he has worked hard for his independence, 
 and he is now reaping the fruits of his industry.' That is as 
 much as to say that I must do the same, thought I, and that 
 I have no business to propose for a wife, until I am certain 
 that I am able to provide for her. I have as yet laid up 
 nothing, and an income is not a capital. I felt that whether 
 a party interested or not, she was right, and I redoubled my 
 diligence. 
 
 CHAPTER LXV 
 
 A variety of the Quaker tribe Who had a curious disintegration of mind 
 and body. 
 
 I WAS not yet weaned from the world, but I was fast advanc- 
 ing to that state, when a very smart young Quaker came on a 
 visit to Reading. He was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Cophagus, and was soon, as might be expected, an admirer of 
 Susannah, but he received no encouragement. He was an 
 idle person, and passed much of his time sitting in my shop, 
 and talking with me, and being much less reserved and un- 
 guarded than the generality of the young men of the sect, I 
 gradually became intimate with him. One day when my 
 assistant was out he said to me, ' Friend Gnow-land, tell me 
 candidly, hast thou ever seen my face before ? ' 
 
 Not that I can recollect, friend Talbot.' 
 
 * Then my recollection is better than yours, and now having 
 obtained thy friendship as one of the society, I will remind 
 thee of our former acquaintance. When thou wert Mr. N-e-w- 
 land, walking about town with Major Carbonnell, I was 
 Lieutenant Talbot, of the Dragoon Guards.' 
 
 309 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I was dumb with astonishment, and I stared him in the 
 face. 
 
 'Yes,' continued he, bursting into laughter, 'such is the 
 fact. You have thought, perhaps, that you were the only man 
 of fashion who had ever been transformed into a Quaker ; 
 now you behold another, so no longer imagine yourself the 
 Phcenix of your tribe.' 
 
 ' I do certainly recollect that name,' replied I ; ' but 
 although, as you must be acquainted with my history, it is 
 very easy to conceive why I have joined the society, yet upon 
 what grounds you can have so done is to me inexplicable.' 
 
 ' Newland, it certainly does require explanation : it has 
 been, I assert, my misfortune, and not my fault. Not that I 
 am not happy. On the contrary, I feel that I am now in my 
 proper situation. I ought to have been born of Quaker 
 parents at all events, I was born a Quaker in disposition ; 
 but I will come to-morrow early, and then, if you will give 
 your man something to do out of the way, I will tell you my 
 history. I know that you will keep my secret.' 
 
 The next morning he came, and as soon as we were alone 
 he imparted to me what follows. 
 
 ' I recollect well, Newland, when you were one of the 
 leaders of fashion, I was then in the Dragoon Guards, and 
 although not very intimate with you, had the honour of a 
 recognition when we met at parties. I cannot help laughing, 
 upon my soul, when I look at us both now ; but never mind. 
 I was of course a great deal with my regiment, and at the 
 club. My father, as you may not perhaps be aware, was 
 highly connected, and all the family have been brought up 
 in the army : the question of profession has never been mooted 
 by us ; and every Talbot has turned out a soldier as naturally 
 as a young duck takes to the water. Well, I entered the 
 army, admired my uniform, and was admired by the young 
 ladies. Before I received my lieutenant's commission, my 
 father, the old gentleman, died, and left me a younger 
 brother's fortune, of four hundred per annum ; but, as my 
 uncle said, " It was quite enough for a Talbot, who would 
 push himself forward in his profession, as the Talbots had 
 ever done before him." I soon found out that my income 
 was not sufficient to enable me to continue in the Guards, and 
 my uncle was very anxious that I should exchange into a 
 
 310 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 regiment on a service. I therefore, by purchase, obtained a 
 company in the 23rd, ordered out to reduce the French 
 colonies in the West Indies ; and I sailed with all the ex- 
 pectation of covering myself with as much glory as the Talbots 
 had done from time immemorial. We landed, and in a short 
 time the bullets and grape were flying in all directions, and 
 then I discovered, what I declare never for a moment came 
 into my head before, to wit that I had mistaken my 
 profession.' 
 
 'How do you mean, Talbot ? ' 
 
 ' Mean ! why, that I was deficient in a certain qualification, 
 which never was before denied to a Talbot courage.' 
 
 ' And you never knew that before ? ' 
 
 ' Never, upon my honour ; my mind was always full of 
 courage. In my mind's eye I built castles of feats of bravery 
 which should eclipse all the Talbots, from him who burnt Joan 
 of Arc down to the present day. I assure you, that surprised 
 as other people were, no one was more surprised than myself. 
 Our regiment was ordered to advance, and I led on my 
 company ; the bullets flew like hail. I tried to go on, but I 
 could not ; at last, notwithstanding all my endeavours to the 
 contrary, I fairly took to my heels. I was met by the com- 
 manding officer in fact, I ran right against him. He ordered 
 me back, and I returned to my regiment, not feeling at all 
 afraid. Again I was in the fire, again I resisted the impulse, 
 but it was of no use ; and at last, just before the assault took 
 place, I ran away as if the devil was after me. Wasn't it odd ? ' 
 
 ' Very odd, indeed, 3 replied I, laughing. 
 
 ' Yes, but you do not exactly understand why it was odd. 
 You know what philosophers tell you about volition ; and that 
 the body is governed by the mind, consequently obeys it ; 
 now, you see, in my case, it was exactly reversed. I tell you, 
 that it is a fact, that in mind I am as brave as any man in 
 existence ; but I had a cowardly carcass, and what is still 
 worse, it proved the master of my mind, and ran away with it. 
 I had no mind to run away ; on the contrary, I wished to 
 have been of the forlorn hope, and had volunteered, but was 
 refused. Surely, if I had not courage I should have avoided 
 such a post of danger. Is it not so ? ' 
 
 ' It certainly appears strange, that you should volunteer for 
 the forlorn hope, and then run away.' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 That's just what I say. I have the soul of the Talbots, 
 but a body which don't belong to the family, and too powerful 
 for the soul.' 
 
 ' So it appears. Well, go on.' 
 
 1 It was go off, instead of going on. I tried again that 
 day to mount the breach, and as the fire was over, I succeeded ; 
 but there was a mark against me, and it was intimated that I 
 should have an opportunity of redeeming my character. 5 
 
 1 Well ? ' 
 
 'There was a fort to be stormed the next day, and I 
 requested to lead my company in advance. Surely that was 
 no proof of want of courage ? Permission was granted. We 
 were warmly received, and I felt that my legs refused to 
 advance : so what did I do I tied my sash round my thigh, 
 and telling the men that I was wounded, requested they would 
 carry me to the attack. Surely that was courage ? ' 
 
 * Most undoubtedly so. It was like a Talbot' 
 
 1 We were at the foot of the breach ; when the shot flew 
 about me, I kicked and wrestled so, that the two men who 
 carried me were obliged to let me go, and my rascally body 
 was at liberty. I say unfortunately, for only conceive, if they 
 had carried me wounded up the breach, what an heroic act it 
 would have been considered on my part ; but fate decided it 
 otherwise. If I had lain still when they dropped me, I should 
 have done well, but I was anxious to get up the breach, 
 that is, my mind was so bent ; but as soon as I got on my 
 legs, confound them if they didn't run away with me, and then 
 I was found half a mile from the fort with a pretended wound. 
 That was enough ; I had a hint that the sooner I went 
 home the better. On account of the family I was permitted 
 to sell out, and then I walked the streets as a private gentle- 
 man, but no one would speak to me. I argued the point with 
 several, but they were obstinate, and would not be convinced ; 
 they said that it was no use talking about being brave, if I ran 
 away.' 
 
 1 They were not philosophers, Talbot.' 
 
 ' No ; they could not comprehend how the mind and the 
 body could be at variance. It was no use arguing they 
 would have it that the movements of the body depended upon 
 the mind, and that I had made a mistake and that I was a 
 coward in soul as well as body.' 
 
 312 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Well, what did you do ? ' 
 
 * Oh, I did nothing ! I had a great mind to knock them 
 down, but as I knew my body would not assist me, I thought 
 it better to leave it alone. However, they taunted me so, by 
 calling me fighting Tom, that my uncle shut his door upon me 
 as a disgrace to the family, saying, he wished the first bullet 
 had laid me dead very kind of him ; at last my patience 
 was worn out, and I looked about to find whether there were 
 not some people who did not consider courage as a sine qua 
 non. I found that the Quakers' tenets were against fighting, 
 and therefore courage could not be necessary, so I have joined 
 them, and I find that, if not a good soldier, I am, at all events, 
 a very respectable Quaker ; and now you have the whole of 
 my story and tell me if you are of my opinion.' 
 
 ' Why, really it's a very difficult point to decide. I never 
 heard such a case of disintegration before. I must think 
 upon it.' 
 
 ' Of course, you will not say a word about it, Newland.' 
 
 ' Never fear, I will keep your secret, Talbot. How long 
 have you worn the dress ? ' 
 
 ' Oh, more than a year. By the bye, what a nice young 
 person that Susannah Temple is. I've a great mind to propose 
 for her.' 
 
 ' But you must first ascertain what your body says to it, 
 Talbot,' replied I sternly. ' I allow no one to interfere with 
 me, Quaker or not.' 
 
 ' My dear fellow, I beg your pardon, I shall think no more 
 about her,' said Talbot, rising up, as he observed that I looked 
 very fierce. ' I wish you a good morning. I leave Reading 
 to-morrow. I will call on you, and say good-bye, if I can ' ; 
 and I saw no more of friend Talbot, whose mind was all 
 courage, but whose body was so renegade. 
 
 CHAPTER LXVI 
 
 I fall in with Timothy. 
 
 ABOUT a month after this, I heard a sailor with one leg, and a 
 handful of ballads, singing in a most lachrymal tone, 
 
 313 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Why, what's that to you if my eyes I'm a wiping? 
 A tear is a pleasure, d'ye see, in its way 
 
 Bless your honour, shy a copper to Poor Jack, who's lost his 
 leg in the sarvice. Thanky, your honour,' and he continued, 
 
 ' It's nonsense for trifles, I own, to be piping, 
 But they who can't pity why I pities they. 
 Says the Captain, says he, I shall never forget it, 
 Of courage, you know, boys, the true from the sham. 
 
 Back to your maintop-sail, your worship, for half a minute, 
 and just assist a poor dismantled craft, who has been riddled 
 in the wars. " 'Tis a furious lion." Long life to your honour 
 " In battle so let it " 
 
 'Tis a furious lion, in battle so let it ; 
 But duty appeased but duty appeased 
 
 Buy a song, young woman, to sing to your sweetheart, while 
 you sit on his knee in the dog-watch 
 
 But duty appeased, 'tis the heart of a lamb.' 
 
 I believe there are few people who do not take a strong 
 interest in the English sailor, particularly in one who has been 
 maimed in the defence of his country. I always have ; and as 
 I heard the poor disabled fellow bawling out his ditty, certainly 
 not with a very remarkable voice or execution, I pulled out the 
 drawer behind the counter, and took out some halfpence to 
 give him. When I caught his eye I beckoned to him, and he 
 entered the shop. c Here, my good fellow,' said I, ' although a 
 man of peace myself, yet I feel for those who suffer in the 
 wars ' ; and I put the money to him. 
 
 ' May your honour never know a banyan day,' replied the 
 sailor ; { and a sickly season for you, into the bargain.' 
 
 ' Nay, friend, that is not a kind wish to others,' replied I. 
 
 The sailor fixed his eyes earnestly upon me, as if in 
 astonishment, for, until I had answered, he had not looked at 
 me particularly. 
 
 ' What are you looking at ? ' said I. 
 
 * Good heavens ! ' exclaimed he. ' It is yet it cannot be ! ' 
 
 1 Cannot be ! what, friend ? ' 
 
 He ran out of the door, and read the name over the shop, 
 and then came in, and sank upon a chair outside of the 
 
He Tan out of the door, and -read the name over the shop. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 counter. ' Japhet I have found you at last ! ' exclaimed he 
 faintly. 
 
 ' Good heaven ! who are you ? ' 
 
 He threw off his hat, with false ringlets fastened to the inside 
 of it, and I beheld Timothy. In a moment I sprang over the 
 counter, and was in his arms. * Is it possible," exclaimed I, 
 after a short silence on both sides, ' that I find you a disabled 
 sailor ? ' 
 
 'Is it possible, Japhet,' replied Timothy, 'that I find you 
 a broad-brimmed Quaker ? ' 
 
 ' Even so, Timothy. I am really and truly one.' 
 
 * Then you are less disguised than I am,' replied Timothy, 
 kicking off his wooden leg, and letting down his own, which 
 had been tied up to his thigh, and concealed in his wide blue 
 trousers. ' I am no more a sailor than you are, Japhet, and 
 since you left me have never yet seen salt water, which I talk 
 and sing so much about.' 
 
 ' Then thou hast been deceiving, Timothy, which I regret 
 much.' 
 
 ' Now I do perceive that you are a Quaker,' replied Tim : 
 1 but do not blame me until you have heard my story. Thank 
 God, I have found you at last. But tell me, Japhet, you will 
 not send me away will you ? If your dress is changed, your 
 heart is not. Pray answer me, before I say anything more. 
 You know I can be useful here.' 
 
 ' Indeed, Timothy, I have often wished for you since I 
 have been here, and it will be your own fault if I part with 
 you. You shall assist me in the shop ; but you must dress 
 like me.' 
 
 ' Dress like you ! have I not always dressed like you ? 
 When we started from Cophagus's, were we not dressed 
 much alike ? did we not wear spangled jackets together ? 
 did I not wear your livery, and belong to you ? I'll put on 
 anything, Japhet but we must not part again.' 
 
 * My dear Timothy, I trust we shall not : but I expect 
 my assistant here soon, and do not wish that he should see 
 you in that garb. Go to a small public-house at the farther 
 end of this street, and when you see me pass, come out 
 to me, and we will walk out into the country, and consult 
 together.' 
 
 ' I have put up at a small house not far off, and have 
 316 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 some clothes there ; I will alter my dress and meet you. 
 God bless you, Japhet.' 
 
 Timothy then picked up his ballads, which were scattered 
 on the floor, put up his leg, and putting on his wooden 
 stump, hastened away, after once more silently pressing my 
 hand. 
 
 In half an hour my assistant returned, and I desired 
 him to remain in the shop, as I was going out on business. 
 I then walked to the appointed rendezvous, and was soon 
 joined by Tim, who had discarded his sailor's disguise, 
 and was in what is called a shabby genteel sort of dress. 
 After the first renewed greeting, I requested Tim to let me 
 know what had occurred to him since our separation. 
 
 ' You cannot imagine, Japhet, what my feelings were when 
 I found, by your note, that you had left me. I had perceived 
 how unhappy you had been for a long while, and I was 
 equally distressed, although I knew not the cause. I had 
 no idea, until I got your letter, that you had lost all your 
 money ; and I felt it more unkind of you to leave me then, 
 than if you had been comfortable and independent. As 
 for looking after you, that I knew would be useless ; and 
 I immediately went to Mr. Masterton, to take his advice 
 as to how I should proceed. Mr. Masterton had received 
 your letter, and appeared to be very much annoyed. " Very 
 foolish boy," said he ; " but there is nothing that can be 
 done now. He is mad, and that is all that can be said in 
 his excuse. You must do as he tells you, I suppose, and 
 try the best for yourself. I will help you in any way that 
 I can, my poor fellow," said he, "so don't cry." I went 
 back to the house and collected together your papers, which 
 I sealed up. I knew that the house was to be given up 
 in a few days. I sold the furniture, and made the best I 
 could of the remainder of your wardrobe, and other things 
 of value that you had left ; indeed, everything, with the 
 exception of the dressing - case and pistols, which had ' 
 belonged to Major Carbonnell, and I thought you might 
 perhaps some day like to have them.' 
 
 ' How very kind of you, Timothy, to think of me in that 
 way ! I shall indeed be glad ; but no what have I to do 
 with pistols or silver dressing-cases now ? I must not have 
 them, but still I thank you all the same.' 
 
 317 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' The furniture and everything else fetched .430, after 
 all expenses were paid.' 
 
 ' I am glad of it, Timothy, for your sake ; but I am sorry, 
 judging by your present plight, that it appears to have done 
 you but little good.' 
 
 ' Because I did not make use of it, Japhet. What could 
 I do with all that money ? I took it to Mr. Masterton, 
 with all your papers, and the dressing-case and pistols: 
 he has it now ready for you when you ask for it. He was 
 very kind to me, and offered to do anything for me ; but 
 I resolved to go in search of you. I had more money in 
 my pocket when you went away than I generally have, 
 and with the surplus of what you left for the bills, I had 
 twelve or fourteen pounds. So I wished Mr. Masterton 
 good-bye, and have ever since been on my adventures in 
 search of my master.' 
 
 * Not master, Timothy, say rather of your friend.' 
 
 ' Well, of both if you please, Japhet ; and very pretty 
 adventures I have had, I assure you, and some very hair- 
 breadth escapes." 
 
 ' I think, when we compare notes, mine will be found 
 most eventful, Timothy ; but we can talk of them, and 
 compare notes another time. At present, whom do you 
 think I am residing with ? ' 
 
 * A Quaker, I presume.' 
 
 ' You have guessed right so far ; but who do you think 
 that Quaker is ? ' 
 
 ' There I'm at fault.' 
 
 ' Mr. Cophagus.' 
 
 At this intelligence Timothy gave a leap in the air, turned 
 round on his heel, and tumbled on the grass in a fit of 
 immoderate laughter. 
 
 * Cophagus ! a Quaker ! ' cried he at last. * Oh ! I long 
 to see him. Snuffle, snuffle broad brims wide skirts 
 and so on. Capital ! ' 
 
 'It is very true, Timothy, but you must not mock at 
 the persuasion.' 
 
 I did not intend it, Japhet, but there is something to 
 me so ridiculous in the idea. But,' continued Timothy, 'is 
 it not still stranger, that, after having separated so many 
 years, we should all meet again and that I should find 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Mr. Cophagus an apothecary's shop you dispensing 
 medicines and I as I hope to be carrying them about 
 as I did before. Well, I will row in the same boat, and I 
 will be a Quaker as well as you both.' 
 
 'Well, we will now return, and I will take you to Mr. 
 Cophagus, who will, I am sure, be glad to see you.' 
 
 ' First, Japhet, let me have some Quaker's clothes I 
 should prefer it.' 
 
 'You shall have a suit of mine, Timothy, since you 
 wish it ; but recollect it is not at all necessary, nor indeed 
 will it be permitted that you enter into the sect without 
 preparatory examination as to your fitness for admission.' 
 
 I then went to the shop, and sending out the assistant, 
 walked home and took out a worn suit of clothes, with 
 which I hastened to Timothy. He put them on in the 
 shop, and then walking behind the counter, said, 'This is 
 my place, and here I shall remain as long as you do.' 
 
 ' I hope so, Timothy : as for the one who is with me 
 at present, I can easily procure him other employment : and 
 he will not be sorry to go, for he is a married man, and 
 does not like the confinement.' 
 
 ' I have some money,' said Timothy, taking out of his 
 old clothes a dirty rag, and producing nearly twenty pounds. 
 ' I am well off, you see.' 
 
 ' You are, indeed,' replied I. 
 
 'Yes, there is nothing like being a sailor with one leg, 
 singing ballads. Do you know, Japhet, that sometimes I 
 have taken more than a pound a day since I have shammed 
 the sailor ? ' 
 
 ' Not very honestly, Tim.' 
 
 ' Perhaps not, Japhet, but it is very strange, and yet very 
 true, that when honest I could make nothing, and when I 
 deceived, I have done very well.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXVII 
 
 Timothy commences his narrative of his search after Japhet. 
 
 I COULD not help calling to mind that the same consequences 
 as Timothy related in the last chapter had occurred to me 
 
 319 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 during my eventful career ; but I had long considered that 
 there was no excuse for dishonesty, and that, in the end, 
 it would only lead to exposure and disgrace. I went home 
 early in the evening to introduce Timothy to Mr. Cophagus, 
 who received him with great kindness, and agreed immediately 
 that he ought to be with me in the shop. Timothy paid his 
 respects to the ladies, and then went down with Ephraim, 
 who took him under his protection. In a few days, he 
 was as established with us as if he had been living with 
 us for months. I had some trouble, at first, in checking his 
 vivacity and turn for ridicule ; but that was gradually effected, 
 and I found him not only a great acquisition, but, as he 
 always was, a cheerful and affectionate companion. I had, 
 during the first days of our meeting, recounted my adventures, 
 and made many inquiries of Timothy relative to my few 
 friends. He told me that from Mr. Masterton he had 
 learnt that Lady de Clare and Fleta had called upon him 
 very much afflicted with the contents of my letter that 
 Lord Windermear also had been very much vexed and 
 annoyed that Mr. Masterton had advised him to obtain 
 another situation as a valet, which he had refused, and, at 
 the same time, told him his intention of searching for me. 
 He had promised Mr. Masterton to let him know if he 
 found me, and then bade him farewell. 
 
 * I used to lie in bed, Japhet,' continued Timothy, ' and 
 think upon the best method of proceeding. At last, I agreed 
 to myself, that to look for you as you looked after your father 
 would be a wild-goose chase, and that my money would soon 
 be gone ; so I reflected whether I might not take up some 
 roving trade which would support me, and, at the same time, 
 enable me to proceed from place to place. What do you think 
 was my first speculation ? Why, I saw a man with a dog 
 harnessed in a little cart, crying dog's meat and cat's meat, 
 and I said to myself, " Now there's the very thing there's a 
 profession I can travel and earn my livelihood." I entered 
 into conversation with him, as he stopped at a low public- 
 house, treating him to a pot of beer ; and having gained all I 
 wanted as to the mysteries of the profession, I called for 
 another pot, and proposed that I should purchase his whole 
 concern, down to his knife and apron. The fellow agreed, and 
 after a good deal of bargaining, I paid him three guineas for 
 
 320 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 the set out or set up, which you please. He asked me whether 
 I meant to hawk in London or not, and I told him no, that I 
 should travel the country. He advised the western road, as 
 there were more populous towns in it. Well, we had another 
 pot to clench the bargain, and I paid down the money and took 
 possession, quite delighted with my new occupation. Away I 
 went to Brentford, selling a bit here and there by the way, 
 and at last arrived at the very bench where we had sat down 
 together and eaten our meal.' 
 
 ' It is strange that I did the same, and a very unlucky 
 bench it proved to me.' 
 
 ' So it did to me, as you shall hear. I had taken up my 
 quarters at that inn, and for three days had done very well in 
 Brentford. On the third evening I had just come back, it was 
 nearly dusk, and I took my seat on the bench, thinking of you. 
 My dog, rather tired, was lying down before the cart, when all 
 of a sudden I heard a sharp whistle. The dog sprang on his 
 legs immediately, and ran off several yards before I could 
 prevent him. The whistle was repeated, and away went the 
 dog and cart like lightning. I ran as fast as I could, but 
 could not overtake him ; and I perceived that his old master 
 was running ahead of the dog as hard as he could, and this 
 was the reason why the dog was off. Still I should, I think, 
 have overtaken him ; but an old woman coming out of a door 
 with a saucepan to pour the hot water into the gutter, I 
 knocked her down and tumbled right over her into a cellar 
 without steps. There I was ; and before I could climb out 
 again, man, dog, cart, cat's meat and dog's meat, had all 
 vanished, and I have never seen them since. The rascal got 
 clear off, and I was a bankrupt. So much for my first set up 
 in business.' 
 
 ' You forgot to purchase the good-will when you made your 
 bargain, Timothy, for the stock-in-trade.' 
 
 ' Very true, Japhet. However, after receiving a very fair 
 share of abuse from the old woman, and a plaster of hot greens 
 in my face for she went supperless to bed, rather than not 
 have her revenge I walked back to the inn, and sat down 
 in the tap. The two men next to me were hawkers ; one 
 carried a large pack of dimities and calicoes, and the other a 
 box full of combs, needles, tapes, scissors, knives, and mock- 
 gold trinkets. I entered into conversation with them, and, as 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I again stood treat, I soon was very intimate. They told me 
 what their profits were, and how they contrived to get on, and 
 I thought, for a rambling life, it was by no means an unpleasant 
 one ; so having obtained all the information I required, I went 
 back to town, took out a hawker's license, for which I paid two 
 guineas, and purchasing at a shop, to which they gave me a 
 
 ' / became a great politician. 1 
 
 direction, a pretty fair quantity of articles in the tape and 
 scissor line, off I set once more on my travels. I took the 
 north road this time, and picked up a very comfortable sub- 
 sistence, selling my goods for a few halfpence here, and a few 
 halfpence there, at the cottages as I passed by ; but I soon 
 found out, that without a newspaper I was not a confirmed 
 
 322 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 hawker, and the more radical the newspaper the better. A 
 newspaper will pay half the expenses of a hawker, if he can 
 read. At every house, particularly every small hedge alehouse, 
 he is received, and placed in the best corner of the chimney, 
 and has his board and lodging, with the exception of what he 
 drinks, gratis, if he will pull out the newspaper and read it to 
 those around him who cannot read, particularly if he can 
 explain what is unintelligible. Now I became a great poli- 
 tician, and, moreover, a great radical, for such were the politics 
 of all the lower classes. I lived well, slept well, and sold my 
 wares very fast. I did not take more than three shillings in 
 the day, yet, as two out of the three were clear profit, I did 
 pretty well. However, a little accident happened which 
 obliged me to change my profession, or at least the nature of 
 the articles which I dealt in. 3 
 
 ' What was that ? ' 
 
 ' A mere trifle. I had arrived late at a small alehouse, had 
 put up my pack, which was in a painted deal box, on the table 
 in the tap-room, and was very busy, after reading a paragraph 
 in the newspaper, making a fine speech, which I always found 
 was received with great applause, and many shakes of the 
 hand, as a prime good fellow a speech about community of 
 rights, agrarian division, and the propriety of an equal dis- 
 tribution of property, proving that, as we were all born alike, 
 no one had a right to have more property than his neighbour. 
 The people had all gathered round me, applauding violently, 
 when I thought I might as well look after my pack, which had 
 been for some time hidden from my sight by the crowd, when, to 
 my mortification, I found out that my earnest assertions on the 
 propriety of community of property had had such an influence 
 upon some of my listeners, that they had walked off with my 
 pack and its contents. Unfortunately, I had deposited in my 
 boxes all my money, considering it safer there than in my 
 pockets, and had nothing left but about seventeen shillings in 
 silver, which I had received within the last three days. Every 
 one was very sorry, but no one knew anything about it ; and 
 when I challenged the landlord as answerable, he called me a 
 radical blackguard, and turned me out of the door.' 
 
 ' If you had looked a little more after your own property, 
 and interfered less with that of other people, you would have 
 done better, Tim,' observed I, laughing. 
 
 323 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Very true ; but, at all events, I have never been a radical 
 since, 5 replied Tim. ' But to go on. I walked off to the 
 nearest town, and I commenced in a more humble way. I 
 purchased a basket, and then, with the remainder of my 
 money, I bought the commonest crockery ware, such as basins, 
 jugs, mugs, and putting them on my head, off I went again 
 upon my new speculation. I wandered about with my 
 crockery, but it was hard work. I could not reap the profits 
 which I did as a hawker and pedlar. I averaged, however, 
 from seven to nine shillings a week, and that was about 
 sufficient for my support. I went down into as many kitchens 
 as would have sufficed to have found a dozen mothers, sup- 
 posing mine to be a cook ; but I did not see any one who was 
 at all like me. Sometimes a cook replaced a basin she had 
 broken, by giving me as much meat as had cost her mistress 
 five shillings, and thus avoided a scolding, for an article which 
 was worth only twopence. At other times, a cottager would 
 give me a lodging, and would consider himself rewarded with 
 a mug that only cost me one penny. I was more than three 
 months employed carrying crockery in every direction, and 
 never, during the whole time, broke one article, until one day, 
 as I passed through Eton, there was a regular smash of the 
 whole concern.' 
 
 ' Indeed, how was that ? ' 
 
 ' I met about a dozen of the Eton boys, and they proposed 
 a cockshy, as they called it ; that is, I was to place my articles 
 on the top of a post, and they were to throw stones at them 
 at a certain distance, paying me a certain sum for each throw. 
 Well, this I thought a very good bargain, so I put up a mug 
 (worth one penny) at one penny a throw. It was knocked 
 down at the second shot, so it was just as well to put the full 
 price upon them at once, they were such remarkable good 
 aimers at anything. Each boy had a stick, upon which I 
 notched off their throws, and how much they would have to 
 pay when all was over. One article after another was put on 
 the post until my basket was empty, and then I wanted to 
 settle with them ; but as soon as I talked about that, they all 
 burst out into a loud laugh, and took to their heels. I chased 
 them, but one might as well have chased eels. If I got hold 
 of one, the others pulled me behind until he escaped, and at 
 last they were all off, and I had nothing left.' 
 
 324 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Not your basket ? ' 
 
 ' No, not even that ; for while I was busy after some that 
 ran one way, the others kicked my basket before them like a 
 foot-ball, until it was fairly out of sight. I had only eight- 
 pence in my pocket, so you perceive, Japhet, how I was going 
 down in the world.' 
 
 ' You were indeed, Tim.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXVIII 
 
 Timothy finishes his narrative. 
 
 ' WELL, I walked away, cursing all the Eton boys and all 
 their tutors, who did not teach them honesty as well as Latin 
 and Greek, and put up at a very humble sort of abode, where 
 they sold small beer, and gave beds at twopence per night, 
 and I may add, with plenty of fleas in the bargain. There I 
 fell in with some ballad -singers and mumpers, who were 
 making very merry, and who asked me what was the matter. 
 I told them how I had been treated, and they laughed at me, 
 but gave me some supper, so I forgave them. An old man, 
 who governed the party, then asked me whether I had any 
 money. I produced my enormous capital of eight -pence. 
 " Quite enough, if you are clever," said he ; " quite enough 
 many a man with half that sum has ended in rolling in his 
 carriage. A man with thousands has only the advance of you 
 a few years. You will pay for your lodging and then spend 
 this sixpence in matches, and hawk them about the town. If 
 you are lucky, it will be a shilling by to-morrow night. 
 Besides, you go down into areas, and sometimes enter a 
 kitchen, when the cook is above stairs. There are plenty of 
 things to be picked up." " But I am not dishonest," said I. 
 " Well, then, every man to his liking ; only if you were, you 
 would ride in your own coach the sooner." " And suppose I 
 should lose all this, or none would buy my matches, what 
 then?" replied I; "I shall starve." "Starve no, no no 
 one starves in this country ; all you have to do is to get into 
 gaol committed for a month you will live better perhaps 
 than you ever did before. I have been in every gaol in 
 
 325 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 England, and I know the good ones, for even in gaols there is 
 a great difference. Now the one in this town is one of the 
 best in all England, and I patronises it during the winter." 
 I was much amused with the discourse of this mumper, who 
 appeared to be one of the merriest old vagabonds in England. 
 I took his advice, bought six pennyworth of matches, and 
 commenced my new vagrant speculation. 
 
 ' The first day I picked up threepence, for one quarter of 
 my stock, and returned to the same place where I had slept 
 the night before, but the fraternity had quitted on an expedi- 
 tion. I spent my twopence in bread and cheese, and paid 
 one penny for my lodging, and again I started the next 
 morning, but I was very unsuccessful ; nobody appeared to 
 want matches that day ; and after walking from seven o'clock 
 in the morning, to past seven in the evening, without selling 
 one farthing's worth, I sat down at the porch of a chapel, 
 quite tired and worn out. At last I fell asleep, and how do 
 you think I was awoke ? by a strong sense of suffocation, and 
 up I sprang, coughing, and nearly choked, surrounded with 
 smoke. Some mischievous boys, perceiving that I was fast 
 asleep, had set fire to my matches, as I held them in my 
 hand between my legs, and I did not wake until my fingers 
 were severely burnt. There was an end of my speculation in 
 matches, because there was an end of all my capital.' 
 
 ' My poor Timothy, I really feel for you.' 
 
 ' Not at all, my dear Japhet ; I never, in all my distress, 
 was sentenced to execution my miseries were trifles, to be 
 laughed at. However, I felt very miserable at the time, and 
 walked off, thinking about the propriety of getting into gaol 
 as soon as I could, for the beggar had strongly recommended 
 it. I was at the outskirts of the town, when I perceived two 
 men tussling with one another, and I walked towards them. 
 " I says," says one, who appeared to be a constable, " you 
 must come along with I. Don't you see that ere board ? All 
 wagrants shall be taken up, and dealt with according to la" 
 " Now may the devil hold you in his claws, you old psalm- 
 singing thief an't I a sailor and an't I a wagrant by pro- 
 fession, and all according to law?" "That won't do," says 
 the other ; " I commands you, in the king's name, to let me 
 take you to prison, and I commands you also, young man," 
 says he for I had walked up to them " I commands you, as 
 
 326 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 a lawful subject, to assist me." " What will you give the poor 
 fellow for his trouble ?" said the sailor. " It's his duty, as a 
 lawful subject, and I'll give him nothing ; but I'll put him in 
 prison if he don't." " Then, you old Rhinoceros, I'll give him 
 five shillings if he'll help me, and so now he may take his 
 choice." At all events, thought I, this will turn out lucky one 
 way or the other ; but I will support the man who is most 
 generous ; so I went up to the constable, who was a burly 
 sort of a fellow, and tripped ,wp his heels, and down he came 
 on the back of his head. You know my old trick, Japhet ? ' 
 
 'Yes ; I never knew you fail at that.' 
 
 '"Well," the sailor says to me, "I've a notion you've 
 damaged his upper works, so let us start off, and clap on all 
 sail for the next town. I know where to drop an anchor. 
 Come along with me, and as long as I've a shot in the locker, 
 d n me if I won't share it with one who has proved a friend 
 in need." The constable did not come to his senses ; he was 
 very much stunned, but we loosened his neckcloth, and left 
 him there, and started off as fast as we could. My new 
 companion, who had a wooden leg, stopped by a gate, and 
 clambered over it. " We must lose no time," said he ; " and 
 I may just as well have the benefit of both legs." So saying, 
 he took off his wooden stump, and let down his real leg, which 
 was fixed up just as you saw mine. I made no comments ; 
 but off we set, and at a good round pace gained a village 
 about five miles distant. " Here we will put up for the night ; 
 but they will look for us to-morrow at daylight, or a little after, 
 therefore we must be starting early. I know the law beggars 
 well ; they won't turn out afore sunrise." He stopped at a 
 paltry alehouse, where we were admitted, and soon were busy 
 with a much better supper than I had ever imagined they 
 could have produced ; but my new friend ordered right and 
 left, with a tone of authority, and everybody in the house 
 appeared at his beck and command. After a couple of glasses 
 of grog, we retired to our beds. 
 
 ' The next morning we started before break of day, on our 
 road to another town, where my companion said the con- 
 stables would never take the trouble to come after him. On 
 our way he questioned me as to my mode of getting my 
 livelihood, and I narrated how unfortunate I had been. 
 " One good turn deserves another," replied the sailor ; " and 
 
 3 2 7 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 now I'll set you up in trade. Can you sing ? Have you 
 anything of a voice ? " "I can't say that I have," replied I. 
 " I don't mean whether you can sing in tune, or have a good 
 voice, that's no consequence ; all I want to know is, have you 
 a good loud one ? " " Loud enough, if that's all." " That's 
 all that's requisite ; so long as you can make yourself heard 
 you may then howl like a jackal, or bellow like a mad buffalo, 
 no matter which as many pay us for to get rid of us, as out 
 of charity ; and so long as the money comes, what's the odds ? 
 Why, I once knew an old chap, who could only play one tune 
 on the clarionet, and that tune out of all tune, who made his 
 fortune in six or seven streets, for every one gave him money, 
 and told him to go away. When he found out that, he came 
 every morning as regular as clock-work. Now there was one 
 of the streets which was chiefly occupied by music-sellers and 
 Italian singers for them foreigners always herd together 
 and this tune, ' which the old cow died of,' as the saying is, 
 used to be their horror, and out came the halfpence to send 
 him away. There was a sort of club also in that street, of 
 larking sort of young men ; and when they perceived that the 
 others gave the old man money to get rid of his squeaking, 
 they sent him out money, with orders to stay and play to 
 them, so then the others sent out more for him to go away, 
 and between the two, the old fellow brought home more money 
 than all the cadgers and mumpers in the district. Now if you 
 have a loud voice, I can provide you with all the rest." " Do 
 you gain your livelihood by that ?" "To be sure I do ; and 
 I can tell you, that of all the trades going, there is none equal 
 to it. You see, my hearty, I have been on board of a man-of- 
 war not that I'm a sailor, or was ever bred to the sea but I 
 was shipped as a landsman, and did duty in the waist and 
 afterguard. I know little or nothing of my duty as a seaman, 
 nor was it required in the station I was in, so I never learnt, 
 although I was four years on board ; all I learnt was the lingo 
 and slang and that you must contrive to learn from me. I 
 bolted, and made my way good to Lunnun, but I should soon 
 have been picked up and put on board the Tender again, if I 
 hadn't got this wooden stump made, which I now carry in my 
 hand. I had plenty of songs, and I commenced my profession, 
 and a real good un it is, I can tell you. Why, do you know, 
 that a'ter a good victory, I have sometimes picked up as much 
 
 3*8 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 as two pounds a day, for weeks running ; as it is, I averages 
 from fifteen shillings to a pound. Now, as you helped me 
 away from that land-shark, who would soon have found out 
 that I had two legs, and have put me into limbo as an 
 impostor, I will teach you to arn your livelihood after my 
 fashion. You shall work with me until you are fit to start 
 alone, and then there's plenty of room in England for both of 
 us ; but mind, never tell any one what you pick up, or eveiy 
 mumper in the island will put on a suit of sailor's clothes, and 
 the thing will be blown upon." Of course, this was too good 
 an offer to be rejected, and I joyfully acceded. At first, I 
 worked with him as having only one arm, the other being tied 
 down to my side, and my jacket sleeve hanging loose and 
 empty, and we roared away right and left, so as to bring down 
 a shower of coppers wherever we went. In about three weeks 
 my friend thought I was able to start by myself; and giving 
 me half of the ballads, and five shillings to start with, I shook 
 hands and parted with, next to you, the best friend that I 
 certainly ever had. Ever since I have been crossing the 
 country in every direction, with plenty of money in my pocket, 
 and always with one eye looking sharp out for you. My 
 beautiful voice fortunately attracted your attention, and here I 
 am, and at an end of my history ; but if ever I am away from 
 you, and in distress again, depend upon it I shall take to my 
 wooden leg and ballads for my support." 
 
 Such were the adventures of Timothy, who was meta- 
 morphosed into a precise Quaker. ' I do not like the idea of 
 your taking up a system of deceit, Timothy. It may so 
 happen for who knows what may occur? that you may 
 again be thrown upon your own resources. Now, would it 
 not be better that you should obtain a more intimate knowledge 
 of the profession which we are now in, which is liberal, and 
 equally profitable ? By attention and study you will be able 
 to dispense medicines and make up prescriptions as well as 
 myself, and who knows but that some day you may be the 
 owner of a shop like this ? ' 
 
 ' Verily, verily, thy words do savour of much wisdom,' 
 replied Tim, in a grave voice ; ' and I will even so follow thy 
 advice.' 
 
 329 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LXIX 
 
 I am unsettled by unexpected intelligence, and again yearn after the 
 world of fashion. 
 
 I KNEW that he was mocking me in this reply, but I paid no 
 attention to that ; I was satisfied that he consented. I now 
 made him assist me, and under my directions he made up the 
 prescriptions. I explained to him the nature of every medi- 
 cine ; and I made him read many books of physic and 
 surgery. In short, after two or three months, I could trust to 
 Timothy as well as if I were in the shop myself ; and having 
 an errand boy, I had much more leisure, and I left him in 
 charge after dinner. The business prospered, and I was 
 laying up money. My leisure time, I hardly need say, was 
 spent with Mr. Cophagus and his family, and my attachment 
 to Susannah Temple increased every day. Indeed, both Mr. 
 and Mrs. Cophagus considered that it was to be a match, and 
 often joked with me when Susannah was not present. With 
 respect to Susannah, I could not perceive that I was farther 
 advanced in her affections than after I had known her two 
 months. She was always kind and considerate, evidently 
 interested in my welfare, always checking in me anything like 
 levity frank and confiding in her opinions and charitable to 
 all, as I thought, except to me. But I made no advance that 
 I could perceive. The fact was, that I dared not speak to 
 her as I might have done to another who was not so perfect. 
 And yet she smiled, as I thought, more kindly when I 
 returned than at other times, and never appeared to be tired 
 of my company. If I did sometimes mention the marriage of 
 another, or attentions paid which would, in all probability, end 
 in marriage, it would create no confusion or blushing on her 
 part ; she would talk over that subject as composedly as any 
 other. I was puzzled ; and I had been a year and nine months 
 constantly in her company, and had never dared to tell her 
 that I loved her. But one day Mr. Cophagus brought up the 
 subject when we were alone. He commenced by stating how 
 happy he had been as a married man ; that he had given up 
 
 33 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 all hopes of a family, and that he should like to see Susannah 
 Temple, his sister-in-law, well married, that he might leave his 
 property to her children ; and then he put the very pertinent 
 question 'Japhet verily thou hast done well good 
 business money coming in fast settle, Japhet marry 
 have children and so on. Susannah nice girl good wife 
 pop question all right sly puss won't say no um 
 what d'ye say ? and so on.' I replied that I was very much 
 attached to Susannah ; but that I was afraid that the attach- 
 ment was not mutual, and therefore hesitated to propose. 
 Cophagus then said that he would make his wife sound his 
 sister, and let me know the result. 
 
 This was in the morning just before I was about to walk 
 over to the shop, and I left the house in a state of anxiety and 
 suspense. When I arrived at the shop, I found Tim there as 
 usual ; but the colour in his face was heightened as he said to 
 me, ' Read this, Japhet,' and handed to me the Reading 
 Mercury. I read an advertisement as follows : 
 
 * If Japhet Newland, who was left at the Foundling Asylum, 
 and was afterwards for some time in London, will call at No. 
 1 6 Throgmorton Court, Minories, he will hear of something 
 very much to his advantage, and will discover that of which 
 he has been so long in search. Should this reach his eye, he 
 is requested to write immediately to the above address, with 
 full particulars of his situation. Should any one who reads 
 this be able to give any information relative to the said J. N., 
 he will be liberally rewarded.' 
 
 I sank down on the chair. ' Merciful Heaven ! this can 
 be no mistake "he will discover the object of his search." 
 Timothy, my dear Timothy, I have at last found out my 
 father.' 
 
 ' So I should imagine, my dear Japhet,' replied Timothy, 
 ' and I trust it will not prove a disappointment.' 
 
 'They never would be so cruel, Timothy,' replied I. 
 
 * But still it is evident that Mr. Masterton is concerned in 
 it,' observed Timothy. 
 
 ' Why so ? ' inquired I. 
 
 * How otherwise should it appear in the Reading news- 
 paper ? He must have examined the post-mark of my letter.' 
 
 331 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 To explain this, I must remind the reader that Timothy 
 had promised to write to Mr. Masterton when he found me ; 
 and he requested my permission shortly after we had met 
 again. I consented to his keeping his word, but restricted 
 him to saying any more than ' that he had found me, and that 
 I was well and happy.' There was no address in the letter as 
 a clue to Mr. Masterton as to where I might be, and it could 
 only have been from the post-mark that he could have formed 
 any idea. Timothy's surmise was therefore very probable ; but 
 I would not believe that Mr. Masterton would consent to the 
 insertion of that portion of the advertisement, if there was no 
 foundation for it. 
 
 * What will you do, Japhet ? ' 
 
 1 Do,' replied I, recovering from my reverie, for the 
 information had again roused up all my dormant feelings 
 ' Do,' replied I, ' why, I shall set off for town this very 
 morning.' 
 
 1 In that dress, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' I suppose I must/ replied I, * for I have no time to 
 procure another' ; and all my former ideas of fashion and 
 appearance were roused, and in full activity my pride 
 recovered its ascendency. 
 
 1 Well,' replied Timothy, ' I hope you will find your father 
 all that you could wish.' 
 
 ' I'm sure of it, Tim I'm sure of it,' replied I ; * you must 
 run and take a place in the first coach.' 
 
 * But you are not going without seeing Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 Cophagus, and Miss Temple,' continued Tim, laying an 
 
 emphasis upon the latter name. 
 
 ' Of course not,' replied I, colouring deeply. ' I will go at 
 once. Give me the newspaper, Tim.' 
 
 I took the newspaper, and hastened to the house of Mr. 
 Cophagus. I found them all three sitting in the breakfast 
 parlour, Mr. Cophagus, as usual, reading, with his spectacles 
 on his nose, and the ladies at work. 'What is the matter, 
 friend Japhet?' exclaimed Mr. Cophagus, as I burst into the 
 room, my countenance lighted up with excitement. ' Read 
 that, sir,' said I to Mr. Cophagus. Mr. Cophagus read it. 
 ' Hum bad news lose Japhet man of fashion and so on,' 
 said Cophagus, pointing out the paragraph to his wife, as he 
 handed over the paper. 
 
 332 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 In the meantime I watched the countenance of Susannah 
 a slight emotion, but instantly checked, was visible at Mr. 
 Cophagus's remark. She then remained quiet until her 
 sister, who had read the paragraph, handed the paper to her. 
 ' I give thee joy, Japhet, at the prospect of rinding out thy 
 parent,' said Mrs. Cophagus. * I trust thou wilt find in him 
 one who is to be esteemed as a man. When departest thou ?' 
 
 * Immediately,' replied I. 
 
 ' I cannot blame thee the ties of nature are ever powerful. 
 I trust that thou wilt write to us, and that we soon shall see 
 thee return.' 
 
 ' Yes, yes,' said Cophagus, l see father shake hands 
 come back heh ! settle here and so on.' 
 
 ' I shall not be altogether my own master, perhaps,' 
 observed I. ' If my father desires that I remain with him, 
 must not I obey ? But I know nothing at present. You 
 shall hear from me. Timothy can take my place in the 
 I could not bear the idea of the word shop, and I stopped. 
 Susannah, for the first time, looked me earnestly in the face, 
 but she said nothing. Mr. and Mrs. Cophagus, who probably 
 had been talking over the subject of our conversation, and 
 thought this a good opportunity to allow me to have an 
 eclaircissement with Susannah, left the room, saying they 
 would look after my portmanteau and linen. * Susannah,' 
 said I, ' you do not appear to rejoice with me.' 
 
 ' Japhet Newland, I will rejoice at everything that may 
 tend to thy happiness, believe me ; but I do not feel assured 
 but that this trial may prove too great, and that thou inayst 
 fall away. Indeed, I perceive even now that thou art excited 
 with new ideas, and visions of pride.' 
 
 ' If I am wrong, forgive me. Susannah, you must know 
 that the whole object of my existence has been to find my 
 father ; and now that I have every reason to suppose that my 
 wish is obtained, can you be surprised, or can you blame me, 
 that I long to be pressed in his arms ? ' 
 
 ' Nay, Japhet, for that filial feeling I do commend thee ; 
 but ask thy own heart, is that the only feeling which now 
 exciteth thee ? Dost thou not expect to find thy father one 
 high in rank and power ? Dost thou not anticipate to join 
 once more the world which thou hast quitted, yet still hast 
 sighed for ? Dost thou not already feel contempt for thy 
 
 333 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 honest profession : nay, more, dost thou not only long to 
 cast off the plain attire, and not only the attire, but the sect 
 which in thy adversity thou didst embrace the tenets of? 
 Ask thy own heart, and reply if thou wilt, but I press thee not 
 so to do ; for the truth would be painful, and a lie, thou 
 knowest, I do utterly abhor. 3 
 
 I felt that Susannah spoke the truth, and I would not deny 
 it. I sat down by her. { Susannah,' said I, ' it is not very 
 easy to change at once. I have mixed for years in the world, 
 with you I have not yet lived two. I will not deny but that 
 the feelings you have expressed have risen in my heart, but I 
 will try to repress them ; at least, for your sake, Susannah, I 
 would try to repress them, for I value your opinion more than 
 that of the whole world. You have the power to do with me 
 as you please : will you exert that power ? ' 
 
 1 Japhet,' replied Susannah, ' the faith which is not built 
 upon a more solid foundation than to win the favour of an 
 erring being like myself is but weak ; that power over thee 
 which thou expectest will fix thee in the right path may soon 
 be lost, and what is then to direct thee ? If no purer motives 
 than earthly affection are to be thy stay, most surely thou 
 wilt fall. But no more of this ; thou hast a duty to perform, 
 which is to go to thy earthly father, and seek his blessing. 
 Nay, more, I would that thou shouldst once more enter into 
 the world, there thou mayst decide. Shouldst thou return to 
 us, thy friends will rejoice, and not one of them will be more 
 joyful than Susannah Temple. Fare thee well, Japhet, mayst 
 thou prove superior to temptation. I will pray for thee 
 earnestly I will pray for thee, Japhet, 3 continued Susannah, 
 with a quivering of her lips and broken voice, and she left 
 the room. 
 
 CHAPTER LXX 
 
 I return to London, and meet with Mr. Masterton. 
 
 I WENT upstairs, and found that all was ready, and I took 
 leave of Mr. and Mrs. Cophagus, both of whom expressed 
 their hopes that I would not leave them for ever. ' Oh no, 3 
 
 334 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 replied I, < I should indeed be base, if I did.' I left them, 
 and with Ephraim following with my portmanteau, I quitted 
 the house. I had gone about twenty yards, when I recollected 
 that I had left on the table the newspaper with the advertise- 
 ment containing the direction whom to apply to, and desiring 
 Ephraim to proceed, I returned. When I entered the 
 parlour, Susannah Temple was resting her face in her hands 
 and weeping. The opening of the door made her start up ; 
 she perceived that it was I, and she turned away. ' I beg 
 your pardon, I left the newspaper,' said I, stammering. I 
 was about to throw myself at her feet, declare my sincere 
 affection, and give up all idea of finding my father until we 
 were married, when she, without saying a word, passed 
 quickly by me, and hastened out of the room. ' She loves 
 me, then/ thought I ; ' thank God : I will not go yet, I will 
 speak to her first. 3 I sat down, quite overpowered with 
 contending feelings. The paper was in my hand, the 
 paragraph was again read ; I thought but of my father, and I 
 left the house. 
 
 In half an hour I had shaken hands with Timothy and 
 quitted the town of Reading. How I arrived in London, that 
 is to say, what passed, or what we passed, I know not ; my 
 mind was in such a state of excitement. I hardly know how 
 to express the state that I was in. It was a sort of mental 
 whirling which blinded me round and round from my 
 father and the expected meeting, then to Susannah, my 
 departure, and her tears castle-building of every description. 
 After the coach stopped, there I remained fixed on the top 
 of it, not aware that we were in London, until the coachman 
 asked me whether the spirit did not move me to get down. 
 I recollected myself, and calling a hackney-coach, gave orders 
 to be driven to the Piazza, Covent Garden. 
 
 1 Piazza, Common Garden,' said the waterman ; ' why that 
 ban't an 'otel for the like o' you, master. They'll torment you 
 to death, them young chaps.' 
 
 I had forgotten that I was dressed as a Quaker. ' Tell 
 the coachman to stop at the first cloth warehouse where they 
 have ready-made cloaks,' said I. The man did so ; I went 
 out and purchased a roquelaure, which enveloped my whole 
 person. I then stopped at a hatter's, and purchased a hat 
 according to the mode. ' Now drive to the Piazza,' said I, 
 
 335 
 
' Asked me whether the spirit did not ;uove me to get down.' 
 Copyright 1894 by MacnMlan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 entering the coach. I know not why, but I was resolved to 
 go to that hotel. It was the one I had stayed at when I 
 first arrived in London, and I wished to see it again. When 
 the hackney-coach stopped, I asked the waiter who came 
 whether he had apartments, and answering me in the affirma- 
 tive, I followed him, and was shown into the same rooms I 
 had previously occupied. * These will do,' said I ; ' now let 
 me have something to eat, and send for a good tailor.' The 
 waiter offered to remove my cloak, but I refused, saying that I 
 was cold. He left the room, and I threw myself on the sofa, 
 running over all the scenes which had passed in that room 
 with Carbonnell, Harcourt, and others. My thoughts were 
 broken in upon by the arrival of the tailor. * Stop a moment,' 
 said I, ' and let him come in when I ring.' So ashamed was 
 I of my Quaker's dress, that I threw off my coat and waist- 
 coat, and put on my cloak again before I rang the bell for the 
 
 tailor to come up. ' Mr. ,' said I, ' I must have a suit of 
 
 clothes ready by to-morrow at ten o'clock.' 
 ' Impossible, sir.' 
 
 * Impossible !' said I, ' and you pretend to be a fashionable 
 tailor. Leave the room.' 
 
 At this peremptory behaviour, the tailor imagined that I 
 must be somebody. 
 
 ' I will do my possible, sir, and if I can only get home in 
 time to stop the workmen, I think it may be managed. Of 
 course, you are aware of the expense of night work.' 
 
 ' I am only aware of this, that if I give an order, I am 
 accustomed to have it obeyed ; I learnt that from my poor 
 friend, Major Carbonnell.' 
 
 The tailor bowed low ; there was magic in the name, 
 although the man was dead. 
 
 * Here have I been masquerading in a Quaker's dress, to 
 please a puritanical young lady, and I am obliged to be off 
 without any other clothes in my portmanteau ; so take my 
 measure, and I expect the clothes at ten precisely.' So say- 
 ing, I threw off my roquelaure, and desired him to proceed. 
 This accomplished, the tradesman took his leave. Shortly 
 afterwards, the door opened, and as I lay wrapped up in my 
 cloak on the sofa, in came the landlord and two waiters, each 
 bearing a dish of my supper. I wished them at the devil ; 
 but I was still more surprised when the landlord made a low 
 
 z 337 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 bow, saying, * Happy to see you returned, Mr. Newland ; 
 you've been away some time another grand tour, I pre- 
 sume.' 
 
 * Yes, Mr. , I have had a few adventures since I was 
 
 last here,' replied I, carelessly, ' but I am not very well. You 
 may leave the supper, and if I feel inclined, I will take a little 
 by and by, no one need wait.' 
 
 The landlord and waiter bowed and went out of the room. 
 I turned the key of the door, put on my Quaker's coat, and 
 made a hearty supper, for I had had nothing since breakfast. 
 When I had finished, I returned to the sofa, and I could not 
 help analysing my own conduct. ' Alas,' thought I, ' Susannah, 
 how rightly did you judge me ! I am not away from you 
 more than eighteen hours, and here I am ashamed of the 
 dress which I have so long worn, and been satisfied with, in 
 your society. Truly did you say that I was full of pride, and 
 would joyfully re-enter the world of vanity and vexation.' And 
 I thought of Susannah, and her tears after my supposed 
 departure, and I felt angry and annoyed at my want of 
 strength of mind and my worldly feelings. 
 
 I retired early to bed, and did not wake until late the next 
 morning. When I rang the bell, the chambermaid brought in 
 my clothes from the tailor's : I dressed, and I will not deny 
 that I was pleased with the alteration. After breakfast I 
 ordered a coach, and drove to No. 16 Throgmorton Court, 
 Minories. The house was dirty outside, and the windows had 
 not been cleaned apparently for years, and it was with some 
 difficulty when I went in that I could decipher a tall, haggard- 
 looking man seated at the desk. 
 
 ' Your pleasure, sir ?' said he. 
 
 ' Am I speaking to the principal ?' replied I. 
 
 ' Yes, sir, my name is Chatfield.' 
 
 ' I come to you, sir, relative to an advertisement which 
 appeared in the papers. I refer to this,' continued I, putting 
 the newspaper down on the desk, and pointing to the ad- 
 vertisement. 
 
 ' Oh yes, very true : can you give us any information ?' 
 
 '^Yes, sir, I can, and the most satisfactory.' 
 
 1 Then, sir, I am sorry that you have had so much trouble, 
 but you must call at Lincoln's Inn upon a lawyer of the name 
 of Masterton : the whole affair is now in his hands.' 
 
 338 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' Can you, sir, inform me who is the party that is inquiring 
 after this young man ? ; 
 
 ' Why, yes ; it is a General De Benyon, who has lately 
 returned from the East Indies.' 
 
 1 Good God ! is it possible ! J thought I ; ' how strange that 
 my own wild fancy should have settled upon him as my 
 father!' 
 
 I hurried away ; threw myself into the hackney-coach, and 
 desired the man to drive to Lincoln's Inn. I hastened up to 
 Mr. Masterton's rooms : he was fortunately at home, although 
 he stood at the table with his hat and his great-coat on, ready 
 to go out. 
 
 ' My dear sir, have you forgotten me ?' said I, in a voice 
 choked with emotion, taking his hand and squeezing it with 
 rapture. 
 
 ' By heavens, you are determined that I shall not forget 
 you for some minutes, at least,' exclaimed he, wringing his 
 hand with pain. ' Who the devil are you ?' 
 
 Mr. Masterton could not see without his spectacles, and my 
 subdued voice he had not recognised. He pulled them out, 
 as I made no reply, and fixing them across his nose ' Hah ! 
 why yes it is Japhet, is it not ?' 
 
 ' It is indeed, sir,' said I, again offering my hand, which he 
 shook warmly. 
 
 ' Not quite so hard, my dear fellow, this time, 5 said the 
 old lawyer ; * I acknowledge your vigour, and that is suffi- 
 cient. I am very glad to see you, Japhet, I am indeed 
 you you scamp you ungrateful fellow. Sit down sit 
 down first help me off with my great-coat : I presume the 
 advertisement has brought you into existence again. Well, 
 it's all true ; and you have at last found your father, or, 
 rather, he has found you. And what's more strange, you 
 hit upon the right person ; that is strange very strange 
 indeed.' 
 
 ' Where is he, sir ?' interrupted I, ' where is he take me 
 to him.' 
 
 ' No, rather be excused,' replied Mr. Masterton, ' for he is 
 gone to Ireland, so you must wait.' ft 
 
 ' Wait, sir, oh no I must follow him.' 
 
 ' That will only do harm ; for he is rather a queer sort of 
 an old gentleman, and although he acknowledges that he left 
 
 339 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 you as Japhet and has searched for you, yet he is so afraid of 
 somebody else's brat being put upon him, that he insists upon 
 most undeniable proofs. Now, we cannot trace you from 
 the hospital unless we can find that fellow Cophagus, and 
 we have made every search after him, and no one can tell 
 where he is.' 
 
 * But I left him but yesterday morning, sir,' replied I. 
 
 ' Good very good ; we must send for him or go to him ; 
 besides, he has the packet intrusted to the care of Miss Mait- 
 land, to whom he was executor, which proves the marriage of 
 your father. Very strange very strange indeed, that you 
 should have hit upon it as you did almost supernatural. 
 However, all right now, my dear boy, and I congratulate you. 
 Your father is a very strange person : he has lived like a 
 despot among slaves all his life, and will not be thwarted, I 
 can tell you. If you say a word in contradiction he'll disin- 
 herit you : terrible old tiger, I must say. If it had not been 
 for your sake, I should have done with him long ago. He 
 seems to think the world ought to be at his feet. Depend 
 upon it, Japhet, there is no hurry about seeing him ; and see 
 him you shall not, until we have every proof of your identity 
 ready to produce to him. I hope you have the bump of 
 veneration strong, Japhet, and plenty of filial duty, or you will 
 be kicked out of the house in a week. D n me, if he didn't 
 call me an old thief of a lawyer.' 
 
 ' Indeed, sir,' replied I, laughing ; ' I must apologise to 
 you for my father's conduct.' 
 
 1 Never mind, Japhet ; I don't care about a trifle ; but why 
 don't you ask after your friends ? J 
 
 * I have longed so to do, sir,' replied I. ' Lord Winder- 
 mear 
 
 ' Is quite well, and will be most happy to see you.' 
 
 ' Lady de Clare, and her daughter ' 
 
 ' Lady de Clare has entered into society again, and her 
 daughter, as you call her your Fleta, alias Cecilia de Clare 
 is the belle of the metropolis. But now, sir, as I have 
 answered all your interrogatories, and satisfied you upon the 
 most essential points, will you favour me with a narrative of 
 your adventures (for adventures I am sure you must have 
 had) since you ran away from us all in that ungrateful 
 manner.' 
 
 340 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 4 Most certainly, sir, I will ; and, as you say, I have had 
 adventures. But it really will be a long story.' 
 
 ' Then we'll dine here, and pass the evening together so 
 that's settled.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXI 
 
 In which I am let into more particulars relative to my father's history. 
 
 I DISMISSED the coach, while Mr. Masterton gave his orders 
 for dinner, and we then turned the key of the door to avoid 
 intrusion, and I commenced. It was nearly dinner-time 
 before I had finished my story. 
 
 ' Well, you really appear to be born for getting into scrapes, 
 and getting out of them again in a miraculous way,' observed 
 Mr. Masterton. ' Your life would make a novel.' 
 
 ' It would indeed, sir,' replied I. ' I only hope, like all 
 novels, it will wind up well.' 
 
 'So do I ; but dinner's ready, Japhet, and after dinner 
 we'll talk the matter over again, for there are some points 
 upon which I require some explanation.' 
 
 We sat down to dinner, and when we had finished, and 
 the table had been cleared, we drew to the fire, with our bottle 
 of wine. Mr. Masterton stirred the fire, called for his slippers, 
 and then crossing his legs over the fender, resumed the subject. 
 
 ' Japhet, I consider it most fortunate that we have met, 
 previous to your introduction to your father. You have so 
 far to congratulate yourself, that your family is undeniably 
 good, there being, as you know, an Irish peerage in it ; of 
 which, however, you have no chance, as the present earl has a 
 numerous offspring. You are also fortunate as far as money 
 is concerned, as I have every reason to believe that your 
 father is a very rich man, and, of course, you are his only 
 child ; but I must now prepare you to meet with a very 
 different person than perhaps the fond anticipations of youth 
 may have led you to expect. Your father has no paternal 
 feelings that I can discover ; he has wealth, and he wishes to 
 leave it he has therefore sought you out. But he is despotic, 
 violent, and absurd ; the least opposition to his will makes 
 him furious, and I am sorry to add, that I am afraid that he 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 is very mean. He suffered severely when young from poverty, 
 and his own father was almost as authoritative and unforgiving 
 as himself. And now I will state how it was that you were 
 
 ' Mr. Masterton resumed the subject. ' 
 Copyright 1894 by Macmillan & Co. 
 
 left at the Asylum when an infant. Your grandfather had 
 procured for your father a commission in the army, and soon 
 afterwards procured him a lieutenancy. He ordered him to 
 
 342 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 marry a young lady of large fortune, whom he had never seen, 
 and sent for him for that purpose. I understand that she was 
 very beautiful, and had your father seen her, it is probable he 
 would have made no objection ; but he very foolishly sent a 
 peremptory refusal, for which he was dismissed for ever. In 
 a short time afterwards your father fell in love with a young 
 lady of great personal attractions, and supposed to possess a 
 large fortune. To deceive her, he pretended to be the heir to 
 the earldom, and, after a hasty courtship, they ran off, and 
 were married. When they compared notes, which they soon 
 did, it was discovered that, on his side, he had nothing but 
 the pay of a subaltern, and on hers, that she had not one 
 shilling. Your father stormed, and called his wife an impostor ; 
 she recriminated, and the second morning after the marriage 
 was passed in tears on her side, and oaths, curses, and revilings 
 on his. The lady, however, appeared the more sensible party 
 of the two. Their marriage was not known, she had run away 
 on a pretence to visit a relative, and it was actually supposed 
 in the county town where she resided, that such was the case. 
 " Why should we quarrel in this way ? " observed she. " You, 
 Edmund, wished to marry a fortune, and not me I may plead 
 guilty to the same duplicity. We have made a mistake ; but 
 
 it is not too late. It is supposed that I am on a visit to , 
 
 and that you are on furlough for a few days. Did you confide 
 your secret to any of your brother officers ? " " Not one," 
 muttered your father. " Well, then, let us part as if nothing 
 had happened, and nobody will be the wiser. We are equally 
 interested in keeping the secret. Is it agreed ? " Your father 
 immediately consented. He accompanied your mother to the 
 
 house at , where she was expected, and she framed a 
 
 story for her delay, by having met such a very polite young 
 man. Your father returned to his regiment, and thus did they 
 like two privateers, who, when they meet and engage, as soon 
 as they find out their mistake, hoist their colours, and sheer off 
 by mutual consent.' 
 
 ' I can't say much for my mother's affection or delicacy,' 
 observed I. 
 
 ; The less you say the better, Japhet however, that is 
 your father's story. And now to proceed. It appears that, 
 about two months afterwards, your father received a letter 
 from your mother, acquainting him that their short intercourse 
 
 343 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 had been productive of certain results, and requesting that he 
 would take the necessary steps to provide for the child, and 
 avoid exposure, or that she would be obliged to confess her 
 marriage. By what means they contrived to avoid exposure 
 until the period of her confinement, I know not, but your 
 father states that the child was born in a house in London, 
 and, by agreement, was instantly put into his hands ; that he, 
 with the consent of his wife, left you at the door of the Asylum, 
 with the paper and the bank note, from which you received 
 the name of Newland. At the time, he had no idea of re- 
 claiming you himself ; but the mother had ; for, heartless as 
 she appears to have been, yet a mother must feel for her 
 child. Your father's regiment was then ordered out to the 
 East Indies, and he was rapidly promoted for his gallantry 
 and good conduct during the war in the Mysore territory. 
 Once only has he returned home on furlough, and then he did 
 make inquiries after you ; not, it appears, with a view of find- 
 ing you out on his own account, but from a promise which he 
 made your mother.' 
 
 ' My mother ! what, have they met since ! ' 
 
 'Yes; your mother went out to India on speculation, 
 passing off as a single girl, and was very well married there, I 
 was going to say ; however, she committed a very splendid 
 bigamy.' 
 
 * Good heavens ! how totally destitute of principle ! ' 
 
 * Your father asserts that your mother was a freethinker, 
 Japhet ; her father had made her one ; without religion a 
 woman has no stay. Your father was in the up country during 
 the time that your mother arrived, and was married to one of 
 the council of Calcutta. Your father says that they met at a 
 ball at Government House. She was still a very handsome 
 woman, and much admired. When your father recognised 
 her, and was told that she was lately married to the Honourable 
 Mr. - , he was quite electrified, and would have quitted :he 
 room ; but she had perceived him, and walking up to him 
 with the greatest coolness, claimed him as an old acquaintance 
 in England, and afterwards they often met, but she never 
 adverted to what had passed between them, until the time for 
 his departure to England on leave, and she then sent for h:m, 
 and begged that he would make some inquiries after you, 
 Japhet. He did so, and you know the result. On his return 
 
 344 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to India he found that your mother had been carried off by 
 the prevailing pestilence. At that period, your father was not 
 rich, but he was then appointed to the chief command in the 
 Carnatic, and reaped a golden harvest in return for his success 
 and bravery. It appears, as far as I could obtain it from him, 
 that as long as your mother was alive, he felt no interest about 
 you ; but her death, and the subsequent wealth which poured 
 upon him, have now induced him to find out an heir, to whom 
 it may be bequeathed. 
 
 * Such, Japhet, are the outlines of your father's history ; and 
 I must point out that he has no feelings of affection for you at 
 present. The conduct of your mother is ever before him, and 
 if it were not that he wishes an heir, I should almost say that 
 his feelings are those of dislike. You may create an interest 
 in his heart, it is true : and he may be gratified by your 
 personal appearance ; but you will have a very difficult task, 
 as you will have to submit to his caprices and fancies, and I 
 am afraid that, to a high spirit like yours, they will be almost 
 unbearable.' 
 
 ' Really, sir, I begin to feel that the fondest anticipations 
 are seldom realised, and almost to wish that I had not been 
 sought for by my father. I was happy and contented, and 
 now I do not see any chance of having to congratulate myself 
 on the change.' 
 
 * On one or two points I also wish to question you. It ap- 
 pears that you have entered into the sect denominated Quakers. 
 Tell me candidly, do you subscribe heartily and sincerely to 
 their doctrines ? And I was going to add, is it your intention 
 to remain with them ? I perceive much difficulty in all this.' 
 
 ' The tenets of the sect I certainly do believe to be more in 
 accordance with the Christian religion than any other ; and I 
 have no hesitation in asserting, from my knowledge of those 
 who belong to that sect, that they, generally speaking, lead 
 better lives. There are some points connected with their 
 worship, which, at first, I considered ridiculous : the feeling 
 has, however, worn off As to their quaint manner of speaking, 
 that has been grossly exaggerated. Their dress is a part of 
 their religion.' 
 
 < Why so, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' I can reply to you in the words of Susannah Temple, when 
 I made the same interrogatory. " You think the peculiarity 
 
 345 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 of our dress is an outward form which is not required. It was 
 put on to separate us from others, and as a proof of our 
 sincerity ; but still, the discarding of the dress is a proof of 
 sincerity. We consider, that to admire the person is vain, 
 and our creed is humility. It is therefore an outward and 
 visible sign, that we would act up to those tenets which we 
 profess. It is not all who wear the dress who are Quakers in 
 heart or conduct ; but we know that when it is put aside, the 
 tenets of our persuasion are at the same time renounced, 
 therefore do we consider it essential. I do not mean to say 
 but that the heart may be as pure, and the faith continue as 
 stedfast, without such signs outwardly, but it is a part of our 
 creed, and we must not choose, but either reject all or none." ' 
 ' Very well argued by the little Quakeress ; and now, 
 Japhet, I should like to put another question to you. Are you 
 very much attached to this young puritan ? ' 
 
 * I will not deny but that I am. I love her sincerely.' 
 
 ' Does your love carry you so far, that you would, for her 
 sake, continue a Quaker, and marry her ? ' 
 
 ' I have asked myself that question at least a hundred times 
 during the last twenty-four hours, and I cannot decide. If 
 she would dress as others do, and allow me to do the same, I 
 would marry her to-morrow ; whether I shall ever make up my 
 mind to adhere to the persuasion, and live and die a Quaker 
 for her sake, is quite another matter but I am afraid not I 
 am too worldly-minded. The fact is, I am in a very awkward 
 position with respect to her. I have never acknowledged my 
 affection, or asked for a return, but she knows I love her, and 
 I know that she loves me.' 
 
 * Like all vain boys, you flatter yourself.' 
 
 * I leave you to judge, sir,' replied I, repeating to him our 
 parting tete-a-tete^ and how I had returned, and found her in 
 tears. 
 
 ' All that certainly is very corroborative evidence ; but tell 
 me, Japhet, do you think she loves you well enough to abandon 
 all for your sake ? ' 
 
 * No, nor ever will, sir, she is too high-principled, too high- 
 minded. She might suffer greatly, but she never would swerve 
 from what she thought was right.' 
 
 * She must be a fine character, Japhet, but you will be in a 
 dilemma : indeed, it appears to me, that your troubles are now 
 
 346 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 commencing instead of ending, and that you would have been 
 much happier where you were, than you will be by being 
 again brought out into the world. Your prospect is not over- 
 cheerful. You have an awkward father to deal with : you will 
 be under a strong check, I've a notion, and I am afraid you 
 will find that, notwithstanding you will be once more received 
 into society, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.' 
 
 1 1 am afraid you are right, sir/ replied I, ' but at all events, 
 it will be something gained, to be acknowledged to the world 
 by a father of good family, whatever else I may have to sub- 
 mit to. I have been the sport of Fortune all my life, and 
 probably she has not yet done playing with me ; but it is late, 
 and I will now wish you good-night.' 
 
 * Good-night, Japhet ; if I have any intelligence I will let 
 you know. Lady de Clare's address is No. 1 3 Park Street. 
 You will, of course, go there as soon as you can.' 
 
 ' I will, sir, after I have written my letters to my friends 
 at Reading.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXII 
 
 I am a little jealous, and, like the immortal William Bottom, inclined to 
 enact more parts than one With a big effort my hankering after 
 bigamy is mastered by Mr. Masterton and by my own good sense. 
 
 I RETURNED home to reflect upon what Mr. Masterton had 
 told me, and I must say that I was not very well pleased with 
 his various information. His account of my mother, although 
 she was no more, distressed me, and, from the character which 
 he gave of my father, I felt convinced that my happiness would 
 not be at all increased by my having finally attained the long- 
 desired object of my wishes. Strange to say, I had no sooner 
 discovered my father, but I wished that he had never turned 
 up ; and when I compared the peaceful and happy state of 
 existence which I had lately enjoyed, with the prospects of 
 what I had in future to submit to, I bitterly repented that the 
 advertisement had been seen by Timothy ; still, on one point, 
 I was peculiarly anxious, without hardly daring to anatomise 
 my feelings ; it was relative to Cecilia de Clare, and what Mr. 
 
 347 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Masterton had mentioned in the course of our conversation. 
 The next morning I wrote to Timothy and to Mr. Cophagus, 
 giving them a short detail of what I had been informed by 
 Mr. Masterton, and expressing a wish, which I then really did 
 feel, that I had never been summoned away from them. 
 
 Having finished my letters, I set off to Park Street, to call 
 upon Lady de Clare and Cecilia. It was rather early, but the 
 footman who opened the door recognised me, and I was 
 admitted upon his own responsibility. It was now more than 
 eighteen months since I had quitted their house at Richmond, 
 and I was very anxious to know what reception I might have. 
 I followed the servant upstairs, and when he opened the door 
 walked in, as my name was announced. 
 
 Lady de Clare rose in haste ; so did Cecilia, and so did a 
 third person, whom I had not expected to have met Harcourt. 
 ' Mr. Newland,' exclaimed Lady de Clare, ' this is indeed 
 unexpected.' Cecilia also came forward, blushing to the fore- 
 head. Harcourt held back, as if waiting for the advances to 
 be made on my side. On the whole, I never felt more 
 awkwardly, and I believe my feelings were reciprocated by 
 the whole party. I was evidently de trop. 
 
 1 Do you know Mr. Harcourt ? ' at last said Lady de Clare. 
 
 ' If it is the Mr. Harcourt I once knew,' replied I, ' I 
 certainly do.' 
 
 ' Believe me it is the same, Newland,' said Harcourt, coming 
 to me and offering his hand, which I took with pleasure. 
 
 'It is a long while since we met,' observed Cecilia, who 
 felt it necessary to say something, but, at the same time, did 
 not like to enter upon my affairs before Harcourt. 
 
 ' It is, Miss de Clare,' replied I, for I was not exactly 
 pleased at my reception ; ' but I have been fortunate since I 
 had the pleasure of seeing you last.' 
 
 Cecilia and her mother looked earnestly, as much as to say, 
 in what ? but did not like to ask the question. 
 
 ' There is no one present who is not well acquainted with 
 my history,' observed I, ' that is, until the time I left you and 
 Lady de Clare, and I have no wish to create mystery. I have 
 at last discovered my father.' 
 
 ' I hope we are to congratulate you, Mr. Newland,' said 
 Lady de Clare. 
 
 'As far as respectability and family are concerned, I 
 
 348 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 certainly have no reason to be ashamed,' replied I. ' He is 
 the brother of an earl, and a general in the army. His name 
 I will not mention until I have seen him, and I am formally 
 and openly acknowledged. I have also the advantage of 
 being an only son, and if I am not disinherited, heir to 
 considerable property,' continued I, smiling sarcastically. 
 ' Perhaps I may now be better received than I have been as 
 Japhet Newland the Foundling : but, Lady de Clare, I am 
 afraid that I have intruded unseasonably, and will now take 
 my leave. Good morning ' ; and without waiting for a reply, 
 I made a hasty retreat, and gained the door. 
 
 Flushed with indignation, I had nearly gained the bottom 
 of the stairs, when I heard a light footstep behind me, and my 
 arm was caught by Cecilia de Clare. I turned round, and she 
 looked me reproachfully in the face, as the tear stood in her 
 eye. ' What have we done, Japhet, that you should treat us 
 in this manner ? ' said she with emotion. 
 
 f Miss de Clare,' replied I, ' I have no reproaches to make. 
 I perceived that my presence was not welcome, and I would 
 no further intrude.' 
 
 ' Are you then so proud, now that you have found out that 
 you are well born, Japhet ? ' 
 
 * I am much too proud to intrude where I am not wished for, 
 Miss de Clare. As Japhet Newland, I came here to see the 
 Fleta of former days. When I assume my real name, I shall 
 always be most happy of an introduction to the daughter of 
 Lady de Clare.' 
 
 * Oh ! how changed,' exclaimed she, fixing her large blue 
 eyes upon me. 
 
 'Prosperity changes us all, Miss de Clare. I wish you 
 a very good morning ' ; and I turned away, and crossed the 
 hall to the door. 
 
 As I went out I could not help looking back, and I 
 perceived that Cecilia's handkerchief was held to her eyes, as 
 she slowly mounted the stairs. I walked home to the Piazza 
 in no very pleasant humour. I was angry and disgusted at 
 the coolness of my reception. I thought myself ill used, and 
 treated with ingratitude. ' So much for the world,' said I, as 
 I sat down in my apartment, and spun my hat on the table. 
 ' She has been out two seasons, and is no longer the same 
 person. Yet how lovely she has grown ! But why this 
 
 349 
 
' I heard a light footstep behind me. ' 
 Copyright 1894 J>y Macmillan & Co. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 change and why was Harcourt there ? Could he have 
 prejudiced them against me ? Very possibly.' While these 
 ideas were running in my mind, and I was making comparisons 
 between Cecilia de Clare and Susannah Temple not much in 
 favour of the former and looking forward prospectively to 
 the meeting with my father, the doubts as to my reception in 
 society colouring everything with the most sombre tints, the 
 door opened, and in walked Harcourt, announced by the 
 waiter. 
 
 1 A chair for Mr. Harcourt, 7 said I to the waiter, with 
 formality. 
 
 ' Newland,' said Harcourt, * I come for two reasons : in 
 the first place I am commissioned by the ladies to assure 
 you 
 
 ' I beg your pardon, Mr. Harcourt, for interrupting you, 
 but I require no ambassador from the ladies in question. 
 They may make you their confidant if they please, but I am 
 not at all inclined to do the same. Explanation, after what I 
 witnessed and felt this morning, is quite unnecessary. I 
 surrender all claims upon either Lady de Clare or her 
 daughter, if I ever was so foolhardy as to imagine that I had 
 any. The first reason of your visit it is therefore useless to 
 proceed with. May I ask the other reason which has procured 
 me this honour ? ' 
 
 ' I hardly know, Mr. Newland,' replied Harcourt, colouring 
 deeply, < whether after what you have now said I ought to 
 proceed with the second it related to myself.' 
 
 ' I am all attention, Mr. Harcourt,' replied I, bowing 
 politely. 
 
 ' It was to say, Mr. Newland, that I should have taken the 
 earliest opportunity after my recovery, had you not disappeared 
 so strangely, to have expressed my sorrow for my conduct 
 towards you, and to have acknowledged that I had been 
 deservedly punished : more perhaps by my own feelings of 
 remorse, than by the dangerous wound I had received by your 
 hand. I take even this opportunity, although not apparently 
 a favourable one, of expressing what I consider it my duty, 
 as a gentleman who has wronged another, to express. I 
 certainly was going to add more, but there is so little chance 
 of its being well received, that I had better defer it to some 
 future opportunity. The time may come, and I certainly trust it 
 
 35 1 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 will come, when I may be allowed to prove to you that I am 
 not deserving of the coolness with which I am now received. 
 Mr. Newland, with every wish for your happiness, I will now 
 take my leave ; but I must say, it is with painful sentiments, 
 as I feel that the result of this interview will be the cause of 
 great distress to those who are bound to you not only by 
 gratitude, but sincere regard.' 
 
 Harcourt then bowed, and quitted the room. 
 
 * It's all very well,' muttered I, ' but I know the world and 
 am not to be soothed down by a few fine words. I trust that 
 they will be sorry for their conduct, but see me again inside 
 their doors they will not ' ; and I sat down, trying to feel 
 satisfied with myself but I was not ; I felt that I had acted 
 harshly, to say no more. I ought to have listened to an 
 explanation sent by Cecilia and her mother, after her coming 
 downstairs to expostulate. They were under great obligations 
 to me, and by my quick resentment, I rendered the obligations 
 more onerous. It was unkind of me and I wished that 
 Harcourt had not left the room. As for his conduct, I tried 
 to find fault with it, but could not. It was gentlemanly and 
 feeling. The fact was, I was in a very bad humour, and could 
 not at the time discover the reason, which was neither more 
 nor less than that I was more jealous of finding Harcourt so 
 intimate at Lady de Clare's, than I was at the unpalatable 
 reception which I had met with. The waiter came in, and 
 brought me a note from Mr. Masterton. 
 
 ' I have this morning received a summons from your father, 
 who returned, it appears, two days ago, and is now at the 
 Adelphi Hotel. I am sorry to say, that stepping out of his 
 carriage when travelling, he missed his footing, and snapped 
 his tendon Achilles. He is laid up on a couch, and, as you 
 may suppose, his amiability is not increased by the accident, 
 and the pain attending it. As he has requested me to bring 
 forward immediate evidence as to your identity, and the 
 presence of Mr. Cophagus is necessary, I propose that we 
 start for Reading to-morrow at nine o'clock. I have a 
 curiosity to go down there, and having a leisure day or two, it 
 will be a relaxation. I wish to see my old acquaintance 
 Timothy, and your shop. Answer by bearer. 
 
 'J. MASTERTON.' 
 
 352 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I wrote a few lines, informing Mr. Masterton that I would 
 be with him at the appointed hour, and then sat down to my 
 solitary meal. How different from when I was last at this 
 hotel ! Now I knew nobody. I had to regain my footing in 
 society, and that could only be accomplished by being 
 acknowledged by my father ; and, as soon as that was done, I 
 would call upon Lord Windermear, who would quickly effect 
 what I desired. The next morning I was ready at nine 
 o'clock, and set off with post-horses, with Mr. Masterton, in 
 his own carriage. I told him what had occurred the day 
 before, and how disgusted I was at my reception. 
 
 ' Upon my word, Japhet, I think you are wrong,' replied 
 the old gentleman ; ' and if you had not told me of your 
 affection for Miss Temple, to see whom, by the bye, I confess 
 to be one of the chief motives of my going down with you, I 
 should almost suppose that you were blinded by jealousy. 
 Does it not occur to you, that if Mr. Harcourt was admitted 
 to the ladies at such an early hour, there was preference 
 shown him in that quarter? And now I recollect that 
 I heard something about it. Harcourt's elder brother died, 
 and he's come into the property, and I heard somebody say 
 that he would in all probability succeed in gaining the hand- 
 somest girl in London with a large fortune that it was said 
 to be a match. Now, if such be the case, and you broke in 
 upon a quiet reunion between two young people about to be 
 united, almost without announcement, and so unexpectedly, 
 after a lapse of so long a time, surely you cannot be surprised 
 at there being a degree of confusion and restraint more 
 especially after what had passed between Harcourt and 
 you. Depend upon it, that was the cause of it. Had 
 Lady de Clare and her daughter been alone, your reception 
 would have been very different ; indeed, Cecilia's following 
 you downstairs proves that it was not from coolness to- 
 wards you ; and Harcourt calling upon you, and the conver- 
 sation which took place, is another proof that you have been 
 mistaken.' 
 
 ' I never viewed it in that light, certainly, sir,' observed 
 I. 'I merely perceived that I was considered intrusive, and 
 finding in the company one who had treated me ill, and 
 had been my antagonist in the field, I naturally supposed 
 that he had prejudiced them against me. I hope I may 
 2 A 353 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 be wrong ; but I have seen so much of the world, young as 
 I am, that I have become very suspicious.' 
 
 ' Then discard suspicion as fast as you can ; it will only 
 make you unhappy, and not prevent your being deceived. 
 If you are suspicious, you will have the constant fear of 
 deception hanging over you, which poisons existence.' 
 
 After these remarks I remained silent for some time ; I 
 was analysing my own feelings, and I felt that I had acted 
 in a very absurd manner. The fact was, that one of my 
 castle buildings had been, that I was to marry Fleta as 
 soon as I had found my own father, and this it was which 
 had actuated me, almost without my knowing it. I felt 
 jealous of Harcourt, and that without being in love with 
 Miss de Clare, but actually passionately fond of another 
 person ; I felt as if I could have married her without loving 
 her, and that I could give up Susannah Temple, whom I 
 did love, rather than that a being whom I considered as 
 almost of my own creation should herself presume to fall 
 in love, or that another should dare to love her, until I 
 had made up my mind whether I should take her myself; 
 and this after so long an absence, and their having given 
 up all hopes of ever seeing me again. The reader may 
 smile at the absurdity, still more at the selfishness of this 
 feeling ; so did I, when I had reflected upon it, and I 
 despised myself for my vanity and folly. 
 
 ' What are you thinking of, Japhet ? ' observed Mr. 
 Masterton, tired with my long abstraction. 
 
 ' That I have been making a most egregious fool of 
 myself, sir,' replied I, ' with respect to the De Clares.' 
 
 ' I did not say so, Japhet ; but to tell you the truth, I 
 thought something very like it. Now tell me, were you 
 not jealous at finding her in company with Harcourt ? ' 
 
 ' Exactly so, sir.' 
 
 ' I'll tell Susannah Temple when I see her, that she may 
 form some idea of your constancy,' replied Mr. Masterton, 
 smiling. 'Why what a dog in the manger you must be 
 you can't marry them both. Still, under the circumstances, 
 I can analyse the feeling it is natural, but all that is 
 natural is not always creditable to human nature. Let us 
 talk a little about Susannah, and all these vagaries will be 
 dispersed. How old is she ? ' 
 
 354 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Mr. Masterton plied me with so many questions relative 
 to Susannah, that her image alone soon filled my mind, 
 and I recovered my spirits. ' I don't know what she will 
 say at my being in this dress, sir,' observed I. l Had I 
 not better change it on my arrival ? ' 
 
 * By no means ; I'll fight your battle I know her 
 character pretty well, thanks to your raving about her.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIII 
 
 Contains much learned argument upon broad-brims and garments of 
 grey I get the best of it The one great wish of my life is granted 
 I meet my father, and a cold reception, very indicative of much 
 after-heat. 
 
 WE arrived in good time at Reading, and, as soon as we 
 alighted at the inn, we ordered dinner, and then walked 
 down to the shop, where we found Timothy very busy tying 
 down and labelling. He was delighted to see Mr. Masterton ; 
 and perceiving that I had laid aside the Quaker's dress, 
 made no scruple of indulging in his humour, making a 
 long face, and tkee-mg and thou-va% Mr. Masterton in a very 
 absurd manner. We desired him to go to Mr. Cophagus, 
 and beg that he would allow me to bring Mr. Masterton to 
 drink tea, and afterwards to call at the inn and give us the 
 answer. We then returned to our dinner. 
 
 'Whether they will ever make a Quaker of you, Japhet, 
 I am very doubtful,' observed Mr. Masterton, as we walked 
 back ; * but as for making one of that fellow Timothy, I'll 
 defy them.' 
 
 ' He laughs at everything,' replied I, ' and views every- 
 thing in a ridiculous light at all events, they never will 
 make him serious.' 
 
 In the evening we adjourned to the house of Mr. Cophagus, 
 having received a message of welcome. I entered the room 
 first. Susannah came forward to welcome me, and then 
 drew back, when she perceived the alteration in my apparel, 
 colouring deeply. I passed her, and took the hand of Mrs. 
 Cophagus and her husband, and then introduced Mr. 
 Masterton. 
 
 355 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'We hardly knew thee, Japhet,' mildly observed Mrs. 
 Cophagus. 
 
 ' I did not think that outward garments would disguise 
 me from my friends,' replied I ; ' but so it appeareth, for 
 your sister hath not even greeted me in welcome.' 
 
 * I greet thee in all kindness, and all sincerity, Japhet 
 Newland,' replied Susannah, holding out her hand. 'Yet 
 did I not imagine that, in so short a time, thou wouldst 
 have dismissed the apparel of our persuasion, neither do I 
 find it seemly.' 
 
 ( Miss Temple,' interposed Mr. Masterton, ' it is to oblige 
 those who are his sincere friends, that Mr. Newland has laid 
 aside his dress. I quarrel with no creed every one has a 
 right to choose for himself, and Mr. Newland has perhaps not 
 chosen badly, in embracing your tenets. Let him continue 
 steadfast in them. But, fair young lady, there is no creed 
 which is perfect, and, even in yours, we find imperfection. 
 Our religion preaches humility, and therefore we do object 
 to his wearing the garb of pride.' 
 
 ' Of pride, sayest thou ? hath he not rather put off 
 the garb of humility, and now appeareth in the garb of 
 pride ? ' 
 
 ' Not so, young madam : when we dress as all the world 
 dress, we wear not the garb of pride ; but when we put on 
 a dress different from others, that distinguishes us from 
 others, then we show our pride, and the worst of pride, for 
 it is the hypocritical pride which apes humility. It is the 
 Pharisee of the Scriptures, who preaches in high places, 
 and sounds forth his charity to the poor ; not the humility 
 of the Publican, who says, " Lord, be merciful to me, a 
 sinner." Your apparel of pretended humility is the garb of 
 pride, and for that reason have we insisted that he discards 
 it, when with us. His tenets we interfere not with. There 
 can be no religion in dress ; and that must indeed be weak 
 in itself, which requires dress for its support.' 
 
 Susannah was astonished at this new feature of the case, 
 so aptly put by the old lawyer. Mrs. Cophagus looked at 
 her husband, and Cophagus pinched my arm, evidently agree- 
 ing with him. When Mr. Masterton had finished speaking, 
 Susannah waited a few seconds, and then replied, ' It becomes 
 not one so young and weak as I am, to argue with thee, 
 
 356 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 who art so much my senior. I cannot cavil at opinions 
 which, if not correct, at least are founded on the holy writings ; 
 but I have been otherwise instructed.' 
 
 'Then let us drop the argument, Miss Susannah, and 
 let me tell you, that Japhet wished to resume his Quaker's 
 dress, and I would not permit him. If there is any blame, 
 it is to be laid to me ; and it's no use being angry with an 
 old man like myself.' 
 
 ' I have no right to be angry with any one,' replied 
 Susannah. 
 
 * But you were angry with me, Susannah,' interrupted I. 
 
 ' I cannot say that it was anger, Japhet Newland ; I 
 hardly know what the feeling might have been ; but I was 
 wrong, and I must request thy forgiveness ' ; and Susannah 
 held out her hand. 
 
 ' Now you must forgive me too, Miss Temple,' said old 
 Masterton, and Susannah laughed against her wishes. 
 
 The conversation then became general. Mr. Masterton 
 explained to Mr. Cophagus what he required of him, and 
 Mr. Cophagus immediately acceded. It was arranged that 
 he should go to town by the mail the next day. Mr. Masterton 
 talked a great deal about my father, and gave his character 
 in its true light, as he considered it would be advantageous 
 to me so to do. He then entered into conversation upon 
 a variety of topics, and was certainly very amusing. Susannah 
 laughed very heartily before the evening was over, and Mr. 
 Masterton retired to the hotel, for I had resolved to sleep 
 in my own bed. 
 
 I walked home with Mr. Masterton : I then returned to the 
 house, and found them all in the parlour. Mrs. Cophagus 
 was expressing her delight at the amusement she had received, 
 when I entered with a grave face. ' I wish that I had not 
 left you,' said I to Mrs. Cophagus ; * I am afraid to meet my 
 father ; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am 
 I to do ? Must not I obey him ?' 
 
 * In all things lawful,' replied Susannah, ' most certainly, 
 Japhet.' 
 
 ' In all things lawful, Susannah ! now tell me, in the very 
 case of my apparel : Mr. Masterton says, that he never will 
 permit me to wear the dress. What am I to do ? ' 
 
 ' Thou hast thy religion and thy Bible for thy guide, Japhet' 
 
 357 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I have ; and in the Bible I find written on tablets of stone 
 by the prophet of God, " Honour thy father and thy mother" ; 
 there is a positive commandment : but I find no command- 
 ment to wear this or that dress. What think you ?' continued 
 I, appealing to them all. 
 
 ' I should bid thee honour thy father, Japhet, replied Mrs. 
 Cophagus, * and you, Susannah ' 
 
 ' I shall bid thee good-night, Japhet. 5 
 
 At this reply we all laughed, and I perceived there was a 
 smile on Susannah's face as she walked away. Mrs. Coph- 
 agus followed her, laughing as she went, and Cophagus and I 
 were alone. 
 
 'Well, Japhet see old gentleman kiss shake hands 
 and blessing and so on.' 
 
 ' Yes, sir,' replied I ; ' but if he treats me ill, I shall prob- 
 ably come down here again. I am afraid that Susannah is 
 not very well pleased with me.' 
 
 ' Pooh, nonsense wife knows all die for you Japhet, do 
 as you please dress yourself dress her any dress no 
 dress like Eve sly puss won't lose you all right and so 
 on.' 
 
 I pressed Mr. Cophagus to tell me all he knew, and I 
 found from him that his wife had questioned Susannah soon 
 after my departure, had found her weeping, and that she had 
 gained from her the avowal of her ardent affection for me. 
 This was all I wanted, and I wished him good-night, and went 
 to bed happy. I had an interview with Susannah Temple 
 before I left the next morning, and, although I never mentioned 
 love, had every reason to be satisfied. She was kind and 
 affectionate ; spoke to me in her usual serious manner, warned 
 me against the world, acknowledged that I should have great 
 difficulties to surmount, and even made much allowance for my 
 peculiar situation. She dared not advise, but she would pray 
 for me. There was a greater show of interest and confidence 
 towards me than I had ever yet received from her : when I 
 parted from her I said, Dear Susannah, whatever change 
 may take place in my fortunes or in my dress, believe me, my 
 heart shall not be changed, and I shall ever adhere to those 
 principles which have been instilled into me since I have been 
 in your company.' 
 
 This was a phrase which admitted of a double meaning, 
 
 358 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 and she replied, ' I should wish to see thee perfect, Japhet ; 
 but there is no perfection now on earth ; be therefore as 
 perfect as you can.' 
 
 * God bless you, Susannah.' 
 
 ' May the blessing of the Lord be on you always, Japhet,' 
 replied she. 
 
 I put my arm round her waist, and slightly pressed her to 
 my bosom. She gently disengaged herself, and her large 
 eyes glistened with tears as she left the room. In a quarter 
 of an hour I was with Mr. Masterton on the road to London. 
 
 ' Japhet,' said the old gentleman, ' I will say that you 
 have been very wise in your choice, and that your little 
 Quaker is a most lovely creature : I am in love with her my- 
 self, and I think she is far superior in personal attractions to 
 Cecilia de Clare.' 
 
 'Indeed, sir!' 
 
 ' Yes, indeed ; her face is more classical, and her com- 
 plexion is unrivalled ; as far as my present knowledge and 
 experience go, she is an emblem of purity.' 
 
 ' Her mind, sir, is as pure as her person.' 
 
 ' I believe it ; she has a strong mind, and will think for 
 herself.' 
 
 ' There, sir, is, I am afraid, the difficulty ; she will not 
 yield a point in which she thinks she is right, not even for her 
 love for me.' 
 
 1 I agree with you that she will not, and I admire her for 
 it ; but, Japhet, she will yield to conviction, and depend upon 
 it, she will abandon the outward observances of her persuasion. 
 Did you observe what a spoke I put in your wheel last night, 
 when I stated that outward forms were pride. Leave that to 
 work, and I'll answer for the consequences : she will not long 
 wear that Quaker's dress. How beautiful she would be if she 
 dressed like other people ! I think I see her now entering a 
 ball-room.' 
 
 * But what occasions you to think she will abandon her 
 persuasion ? ' 
 
 ' I do not say that she will abandon it, nor do I wish her 
 to do it, nor do I wish you to do it, Japhet. There is much 
 beauty and much perfection in the Quaker's creed. All that 
 requires to be abandoned are the dress and the ceremonies of 
 the meetings, which are both absurdities. Recollect, that Miss 
 
 359 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Temple has been brought up as a Quaker ; she has, from the 
 exclusiveness of the sect, known no other form of worship, and 
 never heard any opposition to that which has been inculcated ; 
 but let her once or twice enter the Established Church, hear 
 its beautiful ritual, and listen to a sound preacher. Let her 
 be persuaded to do that, which cannot be asking her to do 
 wrong, and then let her think and act for herself, and my 
 word for it, when she draws the comparison between what she 
 has then heard and the nonsense occasionally uttered in the 
 Quaker's conventicle, by those who fancy themselves inspired, 
 she will herself feel that, although the tenets of her persuasion 
 may be more in accordance with true Christianity than those 
 of other sects, the outward forms and observances are imper- 
 fect. I trust to her own good sense.' 
 
 ' You make me very happy by saying so.' 
 
 ' Well, that is my opinion of her, and if she proves me to 
 be correct, hang me if I don't think I shall adopt her.' 
 
 ' What do you think of Mrs. Cophagus, sir ? ' 
 
 * I think she is no more a Quaker in her heart than I am. 
 She is a lively, merry, kind-hearted creature, and would have 
 no objection to appear in feathers and diamonds to-morrow. } 
 
 * Well, sir, I can tell you that Mr. Cophagus still sighs after 
 his blue cotton net pantaloons and Hessian boots.' 
 
 ' More fool he ! but, however, I am glad of it, for it gives 
 me an idea which I shall work upon by and by ; at present 
 we have this eventful meeting between you and your father to 
 occupy us.' 
 
 We arrived in town in time for dinner, which Mr. 
 Masterton had ordered at his chambers. As the old gentle- 
 man was rather tired with his two days' travelling, I wished 
 him good-night at an early hour. 
 
 ' Recollect, Japhet, we are to be at the Adelphi Hotel 
 to-morrow at one o'clock come in time.' 
 
 I called upon Mr. Masterton at the time appointed on the 
 ensuing day, and we drove to the hotel in which my father 
 had located himself. On our arrival, we were ushered into a 
 room on the ground-floor, where we found Mr. Cophagus and 
 two of the governors of the Foundling Hospital. 
 
 ' Really, Mr. Masterton,' said one of the latter gentlemen, 
 ' one would think that we were about to have an audience with 
 a sovereign prince, and, instead of conferring favours, were 
 
 360 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 about to receive them. My time is precious : I ought to 
 have been in the city this half-hour, and here is this old nabob 
 keeping us waiting as if we were petitioners.' 
 
 Mr. Masterton laughed and said, * Let us all go upstairs, 
 and not wait to be sent for.' 
 
 He called one of the waiters, and desired him to announce 
 them to General De Benyon. They then followed the waiter, 
 leaving me alone. I must say, that I was a little agitated ; I 
 heard the door open above, and then an angry growl like that 
 of a wild beast ; the door closed again and all was quiet. 
 ' And this,' thought I, * is the result of all my fond anticipa- 
 tions, of my ardent wishes, of my enthusiastic search. In- 
 stead of expressing anxiety to receive his son, he litigiously 
 requires proofs, and more proofs, when he has received every 
 satisfactory proof already. They say his temper is violent 
 beyond control, and that submission irritates instead of appeas- 
 ing him : what then if I resent ? I have heard that people of 
 that description are to be better met with their own weapons : 
 suppose I try it ; but no, I have no right : I will how- 
 ever be firm, and keep my temper under every circumstance : 
 I will show him, at least, that his son has -the spirit and the 
 feelings of a gentleman.' 
 
 As these thoughts passed in my mind the door opened, and 
 Mr. Masterton requested me to follow him. I obeyed with a 
 palpitating heart ; and when I had gained the landing-place 
 upstairs, Mr. Masterton took my hand and led me into the 
 presence of my long-sought-for and much-dreaded parent. I 
 may as well describe him and the whole tableau. The room 
 was long and narrow, and, at the farther end, was a large sofa, 
 on which was seated my father with his injured leg reposing 
 on it, his crutches propped against the wall. On each side 
 of him were two large poles and stands, each with a magnificent 
 macaw. Next to the macaws were two native servants, arrayed 
 in their muslin dresses, with their arms folded. A hooka was 
 in advance of the table before the sofa ; it was magnificently 
 wrought in silver, and the snake passed under the table, so 
 that the tube was within my honoured father's reach. On one 
 side of the room sat the two governors of the Foundling 
 Hospital, on the other was seated Mr. Cophagus in his 
 Quaker's dress ; the empty chair next to him had been occupied 
 by Mr. Masterton. I looked at my father : he was a man of 
 
 361 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 great size, apparently six feet three or four inches, and stout 
 in proportion, without being burdened with fat : he was gaunt, 
 broad-shouldered and muscular, and, I think, must have 
 weighed seventeen or eighteen stone. His head was in pro- 
 portion to his body, and very large ; so were all his features 
 upon the same grand scale. His complexion was of a brownish- 
 yellow, and his hair of a snowy white. He wore his whiskers 
 very large and joined together under the throat, and these, 
 which were also white, from the circle which they formed round 
 his face, and contrasting with the colour of his skin, gave his 
 tout ensemble much more the appearance of a royal Bengal 
 tiger than a gentleman. General de Benyon saw Mr. Masterton 
 leading me forward to within a pace or two of the table before 
 him. 'Allow me the pleasure of introducing your son, 
 Japhet.' 
 
 There was no hand extended to welcome me. My father 
 fixed his proud grey eyes upon me for a moment, and then 
 turned to the governors of the hospital. 
 
 * Is this the person, gentlemen, whom you received as an 
 infant and brought up as Japhet Newland ? ' 
 
 The governors declared I was the same person ; that they 
 had bound me to Mr. Cophagus, and had seen me more than 
 once since I quitted the Asylum. 
 
 ' Is this the Japhet Newland whom you received from these 
 gentlemen and brought up to your business ? ' 
 
 * Yea, and verily I do affirm the same smart lad good 
 boy and so on.' 
 
 ' I will not take a Quaker's affirmation will you take your 
 oath, sir ? ' 
 
 ' Yes,' replied Cophagus, forgetting his Quakership ; ' take 
 oath bring Bible kiss book and so on.' 
 
 * You, then, as a Quaker, have no objection to swear to the 
 identity of this person ? ' 
 
 'Swear,' cried Cophagus, 'yes, swear swear now not 
 Japhet ! I'm damned go to hell and so on.' 
 
 The other parties present could not help laughing at this 
 explosion from Cophagus, neither could I. Mr. Masterton 
 then asked the general if he required any more proofs. 
 
 ' No,' replied the general discourteously ; and speaking in 
 Hindostanee to his attendants, they walked to the door and 
 opened it. The hint was taken, Mr. Masterton saying to the 
 
 362 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 others in an ironical tone, * After so long a separation, gentle- 
 men, it must be natural that the general should wish to be left 
 alone, that he may give vent to his paternal feelings.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIV 
 
 Father and I grow warm in our argument Obliged to give him a little 
 schooling to show my affection Takes it at last very kindly, and 
 very dutifully owns himself a fool. 
 
 IN the meantime, I was left standing in the middle of the room: 
 the gentlemen departed, and the two native servants resumed 
 their stations on each side of the sofa. I felt humiliated and 
 indignant, but waited in silence ; at last, my honoured parent, 
 who had eyed me for some time, commenced : 
 
 ' If you think, young man, to win my favour by your good 
 looks, you are very much mistaken : you are too like your 
 mother, whose memory is anything but agreeable.' 
 
 The blood mounted to my forehead at this cruel observation ; 
 I folded my arms and looked my father steadfastly in the face, 
 but made no reply. The choler of the gentleman was raised. 
 
 * It appears that I have found a most dutiful son.' 
 
 I was about to make an angry answer, when I recollected 
 myself, and I courteously replied, ' My dear general, depend 
 upon it that your son will always be ready to pay duty to whom 
 duty is due ; but excuse me, in the agitation of this meeting 
 you have forgotten those little attentions which courtesy de- 
 mands : with your permission I will take a chair, and then we 
 may converse more at our ease. I hope your leg is better.' 
 
 I said this with the blandest voice and the most studied 
 politeness, and drawing a chair towards the table, I took my 
 seat ; as I expected, it put my honoured father in a tremendous 
 rage. 
 
 ' If this is a specimen, sir, of your duty and respect, sir, I 
 hope to see no more of them. To whom your duty is due, sir ! 
 and pray to whom is it due, sir, if not to the author of your 
 existence ? ' cried the general, striking the table before him 
 with his enormous fist, so as to make the ink fly out of the stand 
 some inches high and bespatter the papers near it. 
 
 36.3 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * My dear father, you are perfectly correct : duty, as you 
 say, is due to the author of our existence. If I recollect right, 
 the commandment says, "Honour your father and your mother" ; 
 but at the same time, if I may venture to offer an observation, 
 are there not such things as reciprocal duties some which are 
 
 ' I folded my arms and looked my father steadfastly in the face.' 
 
 even more paramount in a father than the mere begetting of a 
 son?' 
 
 ' What do you mean, sir, by these insolent remarks ? 5 in- 
 terrupted my father. 
 
 ' Excuse me, my dear father, I may be wrong, but if so, I 
 
 3 6 4 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 will bow to your superior judgment ; but it does appear to me, 
 that the mere hanging me in a basket at the gate of the 
 Foundling Hospital, and leaving me a bank-note of fifty pounds 
 to educate and maintain me until the age of twenty-four, are 
 not exactly all the duties incumbent upon a parent. If you 
 think that they are, I am afraid that the world, as well as 
 myself, will be of a different opinion. Not that I intend to 
 make any complaint, as I feel assured that now circumstances 
 have put it in your power, it is your intention to make me 
 amends for leaving me so long in a state of destitution, and 
 wholly dependent upon my own resources.' 
 
 ' You do, do you, sir ? well, now, I'll tell you my resolution, 
 which is There is the door go out, and never let me see 
 your face again.' 
 
 ' My dear father, as I am convinced this is only a little 
 pleasantry on your part, or perhaps a mere trial whether I am 
 possessed of the spirit and determination of a De Benyon, I 
 shall, of course, please you by not complying with your 
 humorous request.' 
 
 ' Won't you, by G d ? ' roared my father ; then turning to 
 his two native servants, he spoke to them in Hindostanee. 
 They immediately walked to the door, threw it wide open, and 
 then coming back to me, were about to take me by the arms. 
 I certainly felt my blood boil, but I recollected how necessary 
 it was to keep my temper. I rose from my chair, and ad- 
 vancing to the side of the sofa I said 
 
 ' My dear father, as I perceive that you do not require 
 your crutches at this moment, you will not perhaps object to 
 my taking one. These foreign scoundrels must not be per- 
 mitted to insult you through the person of your only son.' 
 
 ' Turn him out,' roared my father. 
 
 The natives advanced, but I whirled the crutch round my 
 head, and in a moment they were both prostrate. As soon as 
 they gained their feet, I attacked them again, until they made 
 their escape out of the room ; I then shut the door and turned 
 the key. 
 
 ' Thank you, my dear sir,' said I, returning the crutch to 
 where it was before. * Many thanks for thus permitting me 
 to chastise the insolence of these black scoundrels, whom, I 
 take it for granted, you will immediately discharge ' ; and I 
 again took my seat in the chair, bringing it closer to him. 
 
 365 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 The rage of the general was now beyond all bounds ; the 
 white foam was spluttered out of his mouth, as he in vain 
 endeavoured to find words. Once he actually rose from the 
 sofa, to take the law in his own hands, but the effort seriously 
 injured his leg, and he threw himself down in pain and 
 disappointment. 
 
 ' My dear father, I am afraid that, in your anxiety to help 
 me, you have hurt your leg again,' said I, in a soothing voice. 
 
 ' Sirrah, sirrah,' exclaimed he at last, ' if you think that 
 this will do, you are very much mistaken. You don't know 
 me. You may turn out a couple of cowardly blacks, but now 
 I'll show you that I am not to be played with. I discard you 
 for ever I disinherit I disacknowledge you. You may take 
 your choice, either to quit this room, or be put into the hands 
 of the police.' 
 
 * The police, my dear sir ! What can the police do ? I 
 may call in the police for the assault just committed by your 
 servants, and have them up to Bow Street, but you cannot 
 charge me with an assault.' 
 
 ' But I will, by G d, sir, true or not true.' 
 
 ' Indeed you would not, my dear father. A De Benyon 
 would never be guilty of a lie. Besides, if you were to call in 
 the police ; I wish to argue this matter coolly, because I 
 ascribe your present little burst of ill-humour to your sufferings 
 from your unfortunate accident. Allowing, then, my dear 
 father, that you were to charge me with an assault, I should 
 immediately be under the necessity of charging you also, and 
 then we must both go to Bow Street together. Were you 
 ever at Bow Street, general ? ' The general made no reply, 
 and I proceeded. f Besides, my dear sir, only imagine how 
 very awkward it would be when the magistrate put you on 
 your oath, and asked you to make your charge. What would 
 you be obliged to declare ? That you had married when 
 young, and finding that your wife had no fortune, had 
 deserted her the second day after your marriage. That you, 
 an officer in the army, and the Honourable Captain De 
 Benyon, had hung up your child at the gates of the Foundling 
 Hospital that you had again met your wife, married to 
 another, and had been an accomplice in concealing her capital 
 offence of bigamy, and had had meetings with her, although 
 she belonged to another. I say meetings, for you did meet 
 
 366 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 her, to receive her directions about me. I am charitable, and 
 suspect nothing others will not be so. Then, after her 
 death, you come home and inquire about your son. His 
 identity is established and what then ? not only you do not 
 take him by the hand, in common civility, I might say, but 
 you first try to turn him out of the house, and to give him in 
 charge of the police ; and then you will have to state for what. 
 Perhaps you will answer me that question, for I really do not 
 know.' 
 
 By this time, my honoured father's wrath had, to a certain 
 degree, subsided : he heard all I had to say, and he felt how 
 very ridiculous would have been his intended proceedings, 
 and, as his wrath subsided, so did his pain increase : he had 
 seriously injured his leg, and it was swelling rapidly the 
 bandages tightened in consequence, and he was suffering 
 under the acutest pain. ' Oh, oh ! ' groaned he. 
 
 ' My dear father, can I assist you ? ' 
 
 ' Ring the bell, sir.' 
 
 ' There is no occasion to summon assistance while I am 
 here, my dear general. I can attend you professionally, and 
 if you will allow me, will soon relieve your pain. Your leg 
 has swollen from exertion, and the bandages must be 
 loosened.' 
 
 He made no reply, but his features were distorted by 
 extreme pain. I went to him and proceeded to unloose the 
 bandages, which gave him considerable relief. I then replaced 
 them, secundum artem, and with great tenderness, and going 
 to the sideboard, took the lotion which was standing there 
 with the other bottles, and wetted the bandages. In a few 
 minutes he was quite relieved. 'Perhaps, sir,' said I, 'you 
 had better try to sleep a little. I will take a book, and shall 
 have great pleasure in watching by your side.' 
 
 Exhausted with pain and violence, the general made no 
 reply ; he fell back on the sofa, and, in a short time, he 
 snored most comfortably. ' I have conquered you,' thought 
 I, as I watched him as he lay asleep. ' If I have not yet, I 
 will, that I am resolved.' I walked gently to the door, 
 unlocked it, and opening it without waking him, ordered some 
 broth to be brought up immediately, saying that the general was 
 asleep, and that I would wait for it outside. I accomplished 
 this little manoeuvre, and reclosed the door without waking 
 
 367 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 my father, and then I took my seat in the chair, and resumed 
 my book, having placed the broth on the side of the fire grate 
 to keep it warm. In about an hour he awoke, and looked 
 around him. 
 
 ' Do you want anything, my dearest father ? ' inquired I. 
 
 The general appeared undecided as to whether to re- 
 commence hostilities ; but at last he said, * I wish the 
 attendance of my servants, sir.' 
 
 ' The attendance of a servant can never be equal to that of 
 your own son, general,' replied I, going to the fire, and taking 
 the basin of broth, which I replaced upon the tray containing 
 the et ceteras on a napkin. ' I expected you would require 
 your broth, and I have had it ready for you.' 
 
 ' It was what I did require, sir, I must acknowledge,' 
 replied my father, and without further remark he finished the 
 broth. 
 
 I removed the tray, and then went for the lotion, and 
 again wetted the bandages on his leg. ' Is there anything 
 else I can do for you, sir ? ' said I. 
 
 ' Nothing I am very comfortable. 3 
 
 ' Then, sir,' replied I, ' I will now take my leave. You 
 have desired me to quit your presence for ever ; and you 
 attempted force. I resisted that, because I would not allow 
 you to have the painful remembrance that you had injured 
 one who had strong claims upon you, and had never injured 
 you. I resented it also, because I wished to prove to you 
 that I was a De Benyon, and had spirit to resist an insult. 
 But, general, if you imagine that I have come here with a 
 determination of forcing myself upon you, you are much 
 mistaken. I am too proud, and happily am independent by 
 my own exertions, so as not to require your assistance. Had 
 you received me kindly, believe me, you would have found a 
 grateful and affectionate heart to have met that kindness. 
 You would have found a son, whose sole object through life 
 has been to discover a father, after whom he has yearned, 
 who would have been delighted to have administered to his 
 wants, to have yielded to his wishes, to have soothed him in 
 his pain, and to have watched him in his sickness. Deserted 
 as I have been for so many years, I trust that I have not 
 disgraced you, General De Benyon ; and if ever I have done 
 wrong, it has been from a wish to discover you. I can appeal 
 
 368 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 to Lord Windermear for the truth of that assertion. Allow 
 me to say, that it is a very severe trial an ordeal which few 
 pass through with safety to be thrown as I have been upon 
 the world, with no friend, no parent to assist or to advise me, 
 to have to bear up against the contingency of being of 
 unacknowledged and perhaps disgraceful birth. It is harder 
 still, when I expected to find my dearest wishes realised, that, 
 without any other cause than that of my features resembling 
 those of my mother, I am to be again cast away. One thing, 
 General De Benyon, I request, and I trust it will not be 
 denied, which is, that I may assume the name which I am 
 entitled to. I pledge you that I never will disgrace it. And 
 now, sir, asking and expecting no more, I take my leave, and 
 you may be assured, that neither poverty, privation, nor 
 affliction of any kind, will ever induce me to again intrude 
 into your presence. General De Benyon, farewell for ever.' 
 
 I made my father a profound bow, and was quitting the room. 
 
 ' Stop, sir,' said the general. ' Stop one moment, if you 
 please.' 
 
 I obeyed. 
 
 ' Why did you put me out of temper ? Answer me that.' 
 
 ' Allow me to observe, sir, that I did not put you out of 
 temper ; and what is more, that I never lost my own temper 
 during the insult and injury which I so undeservedly and 
 unexpectedly have received.' 
 
 ' But that very keeping your temper made me more angry, 
 sir.' 
 
 * That is very possible ; but surely I was not to blame. 
 The greatest proof of a perfect gentleman is, that he is able to 
 command his temper, and I wished you to acknowledge that I 
 was not without such pretensions.' 
 
 ' That is as much as to say that your father is no gentle- 
 man ; and this, I presume, is a specimen of your filial duty,' 
 replied the general, warmly. 
 
 ' Far from it, sir ; there are many gentlemen who, un- 
 fortunately, cannot command their tempers, and are more to 
 be pitied than blamed for it ; but, sir, when such happens to 
 be the case, they invariably redeem their error, and amply so, 
 by expressing their sorrow, and offering an apology.' 
 
 ' That is as much as to say, that you expect me to apologise 
 to you.' 
 
 2 B 369 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 'Allow me, sir, to ask you, did you ever know a De 
 Benyon submit to an insult ? ' 
 ' No, sir, I trust not.' 
 
 * Then, sir, those whose feelings of pride will not allow 
 them to submit to an insult ought never to insult others. If, 
 in the warmth of the moment, they have done so, that pride 
 should immediately induce them to offer an apology, not only 
 due to the party, but to their own characters. There is no 
 disgrace in making an apology when we are in error, but there 
 is a great disgrace in withholding such an act of common 
 justice and reparation.' 
 
 4 1 presume I am to infer from all this, that you expect an 
 apology from me ? ' 
 
 ' General De Benyon, as far as I am concerned, that is 
 now of little importance ; we part, and shall probably never 
 meet again ; if you think that it would make you feel more 
 comfortable, I am willing to receive it.' 
 
 ' I must suppose by that observation, that you fully expect 
 it, and otherwise will not stay ? ' 
 
 ' I never had a thought of staying, general ; you have told 
 me that you have disinherited and discarded me for ever ; no 
 one with the feelings of a man would ever think of remaining 
 after such a declaration.' 
 
 ' Upon what terms, then, sir, am I to understand that you 
 will consent to remain with me, and forget all that has 
 passed?' 
 
 ( My terms are simple, general ; you must say that you 
 retract what you have said, and are very sorry for having 
 insulted me.' 
 
 ' And without I do that, you will never come here again ? ' 
 
 ' Most decidedly not, sir. I shall always wish you well, 
 pray for your happiness, be sorry at your death, and attend 
 your funeral as chief mourner, although you disinherit me. 
 That is my duty, in return for my having taken your name, 
 and your having acknowledged that I am your son ; but live 
 with you, or even see you occasionally, I will not, after what 
 has passed this day, without you make me an apology.' 
 
 ' I was not aware that it was necessary for a father to 
 apologise to his son.' 
 
 * If you wrong a stranger, you offer an apology ; how much 
 more is it due to a near relation ? ' 
 
 370 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 c But a parent has claims upon his own son, sir, for which 
 he is bound to tender his duty. 3 
 
 * I grant it, in the ordinary course of things in this life ; 
 but, General De Benyon, what claims have you as a parent 
 upon me ? A son in most cases is indebted to his parents 
 for their care and attention in infancy his education his 
 religious instruction his choice of a profession, and his 
 advancement in life, by their exertions and interest ; and when 
 they are called away, he has a reasonable expectation of their 
 leaving him a portion of their substance. They have a heavy 
 debt of gratitude to pay for what they have received, and 
 they are further checked by the hopes of what they may here- 
 after receive. Up to this time, sir, I have not received the 
 first, and this day I am told that I need not expect the last. 
 Allow me to ask you, General De Benyon, upon what grounds 
 you claim from me a filial duty ? certainly not for benefits 
 received, or for benefits in expectation ; but I feel that I am 
 intruding, and therefore, sir, once more, with every wish for 
 your happiness, I take my leave.' 
 
 I went out, and had half closed the door after me, when 
 the general cried out, ' Stop don't go Japhet my son I 
 was in a passion I beg your pardon don't mind what I said 
 I'm a passionate old fool.' 
 
 As he uttered this in broken sentences, I returned to him. 
 He held out his hand. ' Forgive, me, boy forgive your 
 father.' I knelt down and kissed his hand ; he drew me 
 towards him, and I wept upon his bosom. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXV 
 
 Father still dutifully submissive at home Abroad, I am splitting a straw 
 in arguments with Susannah about straw bonnets The rest of the 
 chapter contains coquetry, courting, and costumes. 
 
 IT was some time before we were sufficiently composed to 
 enter into conversation, and then I tried my utmost to please 
 him. Still there was naturally a restraint on both sides, but 
 I was so particular and devoted in my attentions, so careful of 
 giving offence, that when he complained of weariness, and a 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 wish to retire, he stipulated that I should be with him to 
 breakfast on the next morning. 
 
 I hastened to Mr. Masterton, although it was late, to 
 communicate to him all that had passed : he heard me with 
 great interest. ' Japhet,' said he, ' you have done well it is 
 the proudest day of your life. You have completely mastered 
 him. The royal Bengal tiger is tamed. I wish you joy, my 
 dear fellow. Now I trust that all will be well. But keep your 
 own counsel ; do not let this be known at Reading. Let them 
 still imagine that your father is as passionate as ever, which 
 he will be, by the bye, with everybody else. You have still to 
 follow up your success, and leave me to help you in other 
 matters.' 
 
 I returned home to the Piazza, and, thankful to Heaven 
 for the events of the day, I soon fell fast asleep, and dreamt 
 of Susannah Temple. The next morning I was early at the 
 Adelphi Hotel ; my father had not yet risen, but the native 
 servants who passed in and out, attending upon him, and who 
 took care to give me a wide berth, had informed him that 
 * Burra Saib's ' son was come, and he sent for me. His leg 
 was very painful and uncomfortable, and the surgeon had not 
 yet made his appearance. I arranged it as before, and he 
 then dressed, and came out to breakfast. I had said nothing 
 before the servants, but as soon as he was comfortable on the 
 sofa, I took his hand, and kissed it, saying, ' Good morning, 
 my dear father ; I hope you do not repent of your kindness 
 to me yesterday.' 
 
 * No, no ; God bless you, boy. I've been thinking of you 
 all night.' 
 
 ' All's right,' thought I ; ' and I trust to be able to keep 
 it so.' 
 
 I shall pass over a fortnight, during which I was in 
 constant attendance upon my father. At times he would fly 
 out in a most violent manner, but I invariably kept my temper, 
 and when it was all over, would laugh at him, generally re- 
 peating and acting all which he had said and done during his 
 paroxysm. I found this rather dangerous ground at first, but 
 by degrees he became used to it, and it was wonderful how it 
 acted as a check upon him. He would not at first believe but 
 that I exaggerated, when the picture was held up to his view 
 and he was again calm. My father was not naturally a bad- 
 
 372 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 tempered man, but having been living among a servile race, 
 and holding high command in the army, he had gradually 
 acquired a habit of authority and an impatience of contra- 
 diction which was unbearable to all around. Those who were 
 high-spirited and sensitive shunned him ; the servile and the 
 base continued with him for their own interests, but trembled 
 at his wrath. I had during this time narrated to my father 
 the events of my life, and, I am happy to say, had, by attention 
 and kindness joined with firmness and good temper, acquired 
 a dominion over him. I had at his request removed to the 
 hotel, and lived with him altogether. His leg was rapidly 
 arriving to a state of convalescence, and he now talked of 
 taking a house and setting up his establishment in London. I 
 had seen but little of Mr. Masterton during this time, as I had 
 remained in-doors in attendance upon the general. I had 
 written once to Mr. Cophagus, stating how I was occupied, 
 but saying nothing about our reconciliation. One morning, 
 Mr. Masterton called upon us, and after a little conversation 
 with the general, he told me that he had persuaded Mr. 
 Cophagus and his wife to leave Reading and come to London, 
 and that Susannah Temple was to come with them. 
 
 ' On a visit ?' inquired I. 
 
 ' No, not on a visit. I have seen Cophagus, and he is 
 determined to cut the Quakers, and reside in London alto- 
 gether. 3 
 
 ' What ! does he intend to return to the pomps and vanities 
 of this wicked world ? ' 
 
 'Yes, I believe so, and his wife will join him. She has 
 no objection to decorate her pretty person.' 
 
 1 1 never thought that she had but Susannah Temple ' 
 
 ' When Susannah is away from her friends, when she finds 
 that her sister and brother-in-law no longer wear the dress, 
 and when she is constantly in your company, to all which 
 please to add the effect I trust of my serious admonitions, she 
 will soon do as others do, or she is no woman. This is all 
 my plan, and leave it to me only play your part by seeing 
 as much of her as you can.' 
 
 ' You need not fear that,' replied I. 
 
 ' Does your father know of your attachment ? ' inquired 
 Mr. Masterton. 
 
 ' No, I passed her over without mentioning her name,' 
 
 373 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 replied I. ' It is too soon yet to talk to him about my 
 marrying ; in fact, the proposal must, if possible, come from 
 him. Could not you manage that ? ' 
 
 * Yes, I will if I can ; but, as you say, wait awhile. Here 
 is their address you must call to-morrow, if you can ; and do 
 you think you can dine with me on Thursday ? ' 
 
 ' Yes, if the general continues improving ; if not, I will 
 send you word.' 
 
 The next day I complained of a headache, and said, that 
 I would walk out until dinner-time. I hastened to the address 
 given me by Mr. Masterton, and found that Mr. Cophagus 
 and his wife were out, but Susannah remained at home. 
 After our first questions, I inquired of her how she liked London. 
 
 ' I am almost afraid to say, Japhet, at least to you ; you 
 would only laugh at me.' 
 
 ' Not so, Susannah ; I never laugh when I know people 
 are sincere.' 
 
 ' It appears to me then to be a Vanity Fair.' 
 
 'That there is more vanity in London than in any other 
 city, I grant,' replied I ; * but recollect, that there are more 
 people and more wealth. I do not think that there is more 
 in proportion than in other towns in England, and if there is 
 more vanity, Susannah, recollect also that there is more 
 industry, more talent, and I should hope a greater proportion 
 of good and honest people among its multitudes ; there is 
 also, unfortunately, more misery and more crime.' 
 
 ' I believe you are right, Japhet. Are you aware that Mr. 
 Cophagus has put off his plain attire ? ' 
 
 * If it grieves you, Susannah, it grieves me also ; but I 
 presume he finds it necessary not to be so remarkable.' 
 
 * For him, I could find some excuse ; but what will you 
 say, Japhet, when I tell you that my own sister, born and 
 bred up to our tenets, hath also much deviated from the dress 
 of the females of our sect ? ' 
 
 ' In what hath she made an alteration ? ' 
 
 ' She has a bonnet of plaited straw with ribands.' 
 
 * Of what colour are the ribands ? ' 
 
 ' Nay, of the same as her dress of grey.' 
 
 * Your bonnet, Susannah, is of grey silk ; I do not see that 
 there is vanity in descending to straw, which is a more 
 homely commodity. But what reason has she given ? ' 
 
 374 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' That her husband wills it, as he does not like to walk out 
 with her in her Quaker's dress.' 
 
 1 Is it not her duty to obey her husband, even as I obey 
 my father, Susannah ? but I am not ashamed to walk out 
 with you in your dress ; so if you have no objection, let me 
 show you a part of this great city.' 
 
 Susannah consented : we had often walked together in the 
 town of Reading : she was evidently pleased at what I said. 
 I soon escorted her to Oxford Street, from thence down Bond 
 Street and through all the most frequented parts of the 
 metropolis. The dress naturally drew upon her the casual 
 glance of the passengers, but her extreme beauty turned the 
 glance to an ardent gaze, and long before we had finished our 
 intended walk, Susannah requested that I would go home. 
 She was not only annoyed but almost alarmed at the constant 
 and reiterated scrutiny which she underwent, ascribing it to 
 her dress, and not to her lovely person. As soon as we 
 returned I sat down with her. 
 
 ' So I understand that Mr. Cophagus intends to reside 
 altogether in London.' 
 
 * I have not heard so ; I understood that it was business 
 which called him hither for a few weeks. I trust not, for I 
 shall be unhappy here.' 
 
 * May I ask why ? ' 
 
 'The people are rude it is not agreeable to walk 
 out.' 
 
 ' Recollect, my dear Susannah, that those of your sect are 
 not so plentiful in London as elsewhere, and if you wear a 
 dress so different from other people, you must expect that 
 curiosity will be excited. You cannot blame them it is you 
 who make yourself conspicuous, almost saying to the people 
 by your garment, " Come, and look at me." I have been 
 reflecting upon what Mr. Masterton said to you at Reading, 
 and I do not know whether he was not right in calling it a 
 garb of pride instead of a garb of humility.' 
 
 * If I thought so, Japhet, even I would throw it off,' replied 
 Susannah. 
 
 ' It certainly is not pleasant that every one should think 
 that you walk out on purpose to be stared at, yet such is the 
 ill-natured construction of the world, and they will never 
 believe otherwise. It is possible, I should think, to dress 
 
 375 
 
' TJte dress naturally drew upon, her the casual glance of the passengers. 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 with equal simplicity and neatness, to avoid gay colours, and 
 yet to dress so as not to excite observation.' 
 
 ' I hardly know what to say, but that you all appear against 
 me, and that sometimes I feel that I am too presumptuous in 
 thus judging for myself.' 
 
 ' I am not against you, Susannah ; I know you will do 
 what you think is right, and I shall respect you for that, even 
 if I disagree with you ; but I must say, that if my wife were 
 to dress in such a way as to attract the public gaze, I should 
 feel too jealous to approve of it. I do not, therefore, blame 
 Mr. Cophagus for inducing his pretty wife to make some 
 alteration in her attire, neither do I blame, but I commend 
 her for obeying the wishes of her husband. Her beauty is 
 his, and not common property.' 
 
 Susannah did not reply : she appeared very thoughtful. 
 
 * You disagree with me, Susannah,' said I, after a pause ; 
 ' I am sorry for it.' 
 
 ' I cannot say that I do, Japhet : I have learnt a lesson 
 this day, and, in future, I must think more humbly of myself, 
 and be more ruled by the opinions and judgment of others.' 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cophagus then came in. Cophagus had 
 resumed his medical coat and waistcoat, but not his pantaloons 
 or Hessians : his wife, who had a very good taste in dress, 
 would not allow him. She was in her grey silk gown, but 
 wore a large handsome shawl, which covered all but the 
 skirts : on her head she had a Leghorn bonnet, and certainly 
 looked very pretty. As usual, she was all good-humour and 
 smiles. I told them that we had been walking out, and that 
 Susannah had been much annoyed by the staring of the 
 people. 
 
 'Always so,' said Cophagus, 'never mind girls like it 
 feel pleased and so on.' 
 
 ' You wrong me much, brother Cophagus,' replied Susannah, 
 ' it pained me exceedingly.' 
 
 ' All very well to say so know better sly puss will wear 
 dress people say, pretty Quaker and so on.' 
 
 Susannah hastily left the room after this attack, and I told 
 them what had passed. 
 
 ' Mrs. Cophagus,' said I, ' order a bonnet and shawl like 
 yours for her, without telling her, and, perhaps, you will per- 
 suade her to put them on.' 
 
 377 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Mrs. Cophagus thought the idea excellent and promised to 
 procure them. Susannah not making her reappearance, I 
 took leave, and arrived at the hotel in good time for dinner. 
 
 * Japhet,' said the general to me as we were at table, ' you 
 have mentioned Lord Windermear very often, have you called 
 upon him lately ? ' 
 
 1 No, sir, it is now two years and more since I have seen 
 him. When I was summoned to town to meet you, I was too 
 much agitated to think of anything else, and since that I have 
 had too much pleasure in your company.' 
 
 ' Say rather, my good boy, that you have nursed me so 
 carefully that you have neglected your friends and your health. 
 Take my carriage to-morrow, and call upon him, and after 
 that, you had better drive about a little, for you have been 
 looking pale these last few days. I hope to get out myself in 
 a short time, and then we will have plenty of amusement 
 together in setting up our establishment.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVI 
 
 I renew old ties of friendship, and seek new ones of love Obliged to take 
 my father to task once more He receives his lesson with proper 
 obedience. 
 
 I TOOK the carriage the next day, and drove to Lord Winder- 
 mear's. He was at home, and I gave my name to the servant 
 as Mr. De Benyon. It was the first time that I had made use 
 of my own name. His lordship was alone when I entered. 
 He bowed, as if not recognising me, and waved his hand to a 
 chair. 
 
 ' My lord, I have given my true name, and you treat me 
 as a perfect stranger. I will mention my former name, and I 
 trust you will honour me with a recognition. I was Japhet 
 Newland.' 
 
 * My dear Mr. Newland, you must accept my apology ; but 
 it is so long since we met, and I did not expect to see you 
 again.' 
 
 * I thought, my lord, that Mr. Masterton had informed you 
 of what had taken place.' 
 
 378 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' No ; I have just come from a visit to my sisters in West- 
 moreland, and have received no letters from him.' 
 
 ' I have, my lord, at last succeeded in finding out the object 
 of my mad search, as you were truly pleased to call it, in the 
 Honourable General De Benyon, lately arrived from the East 
 Indies. 3 
 
 'Where his services are well known, 5 added his lordship. 
 ' Mr. De Benyon, I congratulate you with all my heart. When 
 you refused my offers of assistance, and left us all in that mad 
 way, I certainly despaired of ever seeing you again. I am 
 glad that you reappear under such fortunate auspices. Has 
 your father any family ? ' 
 
 'None, my lord, but myself; and my mother died in the 
 East Indies. 3 
 
 ' Then, I presume, from what I know at the Board of Con- 
 trol, that you may now safely be introduced as a young 
 gentleman of large fortune ; allow me, at least, to assist your 
 father in placing you in your proper sphere in society. Where 
 is your father ? 3 
 
 ' At present, my lord, he is staying at the Adelphi Hotel, 
 confined to his room by an accident ; but I trust that in a few 
 days he will be able to come out. 3 
 
 ' Will you offer my congratulations to him, and tell him, 
 that if he will allow me, I will have the honour of paying my 
 respects to him. Will you dine with me on Monday next ? 3 
 
 I returned my thanks, accepted the invitation, and took my 
 leave, his lordship saying, as he shook hands with me, ' You 
 don't know how happy this intelligence has made me. I trust 
 that your father and I shall be good friends. 3 
 
 When I returned to the carriage, as my father had desired 
 me to take an airing, I thought I might as well have a com- 
 panion, so I directed them to drive to Mr. Cophagus's. The 
 servant knocked, and I went in as soon as the door was 
 opened. Susannah and Mrs. Cophagus were sitting in the 
 room. 
 
 ' Susannah,' said I, ' I know you do not like to walk out, 
 so I thought, perhaps, you would have no objection to take an 
 airing in the carriage : my father has lent it to me. Will you 
 come ? it will do you good. 3 
 
 ' It is very kind of you, Japhet, to think of me ; but ' 
 
 ' But what ? ' replied Mrs. Cophagus. ' Surely thou wilt 
 
 379 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 not refuse, Susannah. It would savour much of ingratitude 
 on thy part.' 
 
 ' I will not then be ungrateful,' replied Susannah, leaving 
 the room ; and in a short time she returned in a Leghorn 
 bonnet and shawl like her sister's. * Do not I prove that I 
 am not ungrateful, Japhet, since to do credit to thy carriage, 
 I am content to depart from the rules of our persuasion ? ' said 
 Susannah, smiling. 
 
 * I feel the kindness and the sacrifice you are making to 
 please me, Susannah,' replied I ; ' but let us lose no time.' 
 
 I handed her down to the carriage, and we drove to the 
 Park. It was a beautiful day, and the Park was filled with 
 pedestrians as well as carriages. Susannah was much 
 astonished, as well as pleased. ' Now, Susannah,' said I, ' if 
 you were to call this Vanity Fair, you would not be far wrong ; 
 but still, recollect that even all this is productive of much 
 good. Reflect how many industrious people find employment 
 and provision for their families by the building of these gay 
 vehicles, their painting and ornamenting. How many are 
 employed at the loom, and at the needle, in making these 
 costly dresses. This vanity is the cause of wealth not being 
 hoarded, but finding its way through various channels, so as 
 to produce comfort and happiness to thousands.' 
 
 ' Your observations are just, Japhet, but you have lived in 
 the world, and seen much of it. I am as one just burst from 
 an egg-shell, all amazement. I have been living in a little 
 world of my own thoughts, surrounded by a mist of ignorance, 
 and not being able to penetrate farther, have considered 
 myself wise when I was not.' 
 
 ' My dear Susannah, this is a checkered world, but not a 
 very bad one there is in it much of good as well as evil. 
 The sect to which you belong avoid it they know it not and 
 they are unjust towards it. During the time that I lived at 
 Reading, I will candidly state to you that I met with many 
 who called themselves of the persuasion, who were wholly 
 unworthy of it, but they made up in outward appearance and 
 hypocrisy what they wanted in their conduct to their fellow- 
 creatures. Believe me, Susannah, there are pious and good, 
 charitable and humane, conscientious and strictly honourable 
 people among those who now pass before your view in such 
 gay procession ; but society requires that the rich should spend 
 
 380 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 their money in superfluities, that the poor may be supported. 
 Be not deceived, therefore, in future, by the outward garments, 
 which avail nothing.' 
 
 ' You have induced me much to alter my opinions already, 
 Japhet ; so has that pleasant friend of thine, Mr. Masterton, 
 who has twice called since we have been in London ; but is it 
 not time that we should return ? ' 
 
 * It is indeed later than I thought it was, Susannah,' replied 
 I, looking at my watch, ' and I am afraid that my father will 
 be impatient for my return. I will order them to drive home.' 
 
 As we drove along, leaning against the back of the carriage, 
 my hand happened to touch that of Susannah, which lay beside 
 her on the cushion ; I could not resist taking it in mine, 
 and it was not withdrawn. What my thoughts were, the 
 reader may imagine : Susannah's I cannot acquaint him 
 with ; but in that position we remained in silence until the 
 carriage stopped at Cophagus's door. I handed Susannah 
 out of the carriage, and went upstairs for a few moments. 
 Mrs. Cophagus and her husband were out. 
 
 1 Susannah, this is very kind of you, and I return you my 
 thanks. I never felt more happy than when seated with you 
 in that carriage.' 
 
 ' I have received both amusement and instruction, Japhet, 
 and ought to thank you. Do you know what passed in my 
 mind at one time ? ' 
 
 < No tell me.' 
 
 'When I first knew you, and you came among us, I 
 was, as it were, the guide, a presumptuous one perhaps to 
 you, and you listened to me ; now it is reversed now that 
 we are removed and in the world, it is you that are the guide, 
 and it is I who listen and obey.' 
 
 c Because, Susannah, when we first met I was much in 
 error, and had thought too little of serious things, and you 
 were fit to be my guide ; now we are mixing in the world, 
 with which I am better acquainted than yourself. You 
 then corrected me, when I was wrong : I now point out to 
 you where you are not rightly informed : but, Susannah, what 
 you have learnt of me is as nought compared with the 
 valuable precepts which I gained from your lips precepts 
 which, I trust, no collision with the world will ever make 
 me forget.' 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 * Oh ! I love to hear you say that ; I was fearful that 
 the world would spoil you, Japhet ; but it will not will it ? ' 
 
 ' Not so long as I have you still with me, Susannah : 
 but if I am obliged to mix again with the world, tell me, 
 
 We -were in each others arms.' 
 
 Susannah, will you reject me ? will you desert me ? will 
 you return to your own people and leave me so exposed ? 
 Susannah, dearest, you must know how long, how dearly I 
 have loved you : you know that, if I had not been sent 
 for and obliged to obey the message, I would have lived and 
 
 382 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 died content with you. Will you not listen to me now, or 
 do you reject me ? ' 
 
 I put my arm round her waist, her head fell upon my 
 shoulder, and she burst into tears. * Speak, dearest, this 
 suspense is torture to me,' continued I. 
 
 ' I do love you, Japhet,' replied she at last, looking 
 fondly at me through her tears ; ' but I know not whether 
 this earthly love may not have weakened my affection to- 
 wards Heaven. If so, may God pardon me, for I cannot 
 help it.' 
 
 After this avowal, for a few minutes, which appeared 
 seconds, we were in each other's arms, when Susannah dis- 
 engaged herself. 
 
 * Dearest Japhet, thy father will be much displeased.' 
 
 ' I cannot help it,' replied I 'I shall submit to his 
 displeasure.' 
 
 ' Nay, but, Japhet, why risk thy father's wrath ? ' 
 
 ' Well, then,' replied I, attempting to reach her lips, * I 
 will go.' 
 
 'Nay, nay indeed, Japhet, you exact too much it is 
 not seemly.' 
 
 ' Then I won't go.' 
 
 1 Recollect about thy father.' 
 
 ' It is you who detain me, Susannah.' 
 
 ' I must not injure thee with thy father, Japhet, it were 
 no proof of my affection but, indeed, you are self- willed.' 
 
 ' God bless you, Susannah,' said I, as I gained the 
 contested point, and hastened to the carriage. 
 
 My father was a little out of humour when I returned, 
 and questioned me rather sharply as to where I had been. 
 I half pacified him by delivering Lord Windermear's polite 
 message ; but he continued his interrogations : and although 
 I had pointed out to him that a De Benyon would never 
 be guilty of an untruth, I am afraid I told some half-dozen 
 on this occasion ; but I consoled myself with the reflection, 
 that, in the code of honour of a fashionable man, he is 
 bound, if necessary, to tell falsehoods where a lady is con- 
 cerned ; so I said I had driven through the streets looking 
 at the houses, and had twice stopped and had gone in to 
 examine them. My father supposed that I had been looking 
 out for a house for him, and was satisfied. Fortunately they 
 
 383 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 were job horses ; had they been his own I should have 
 been in a severe scrape. Horses are the only part of an 
 establishment for which the gentlemen have any considera- 
 tion, and on which ladies have no mercy. 
 
 I had promised the next day to dine with Mr. Masterton. 
 My father had taken a great aversion to this old gentleman 
 until I had narrated the events of my life, in which he 
 had played such a conspicuous and friendly part. Then, to 
 do my father justice, his heart warmed towards him. 
 
 ' My dear sir, I have promised to dine out to-day. 3 
 
 ' With whom, Japhet ? ' 
 
 ' Why, sir, to tell you the truth, with that " old thief of 
 a lawyer." ' 
 
 ' I am very much shocked at your using such an expression 
 towards one who has been such a sincere friend, Japhet ; 
 and you will oblige me, sir, by not doing so again in my 
 presence.' 
 
 ' I really beg your pardon, general,' replied I, * but I 
 thought to please you.' 
 
 ' Please me ! what do you think of me ? please me, sir, 
 by showing yourself ungrateful ! I am ashamed of you, sir.' 
 
 ' My dear father, I borrowed the expression from you. 
 You called Mr. Masterton " an old thief of a lawyer " to his 
 face : he complained to me of the language before I had 
 the pleasure of meeting you. I feel, and always shall feel, 
 the highest respect, love, and gratitude towards him. Have 
 I your permission to go ? ' 
 
 * Yes, Japhet,' replied my father, looking very grave, ' and 
 do me the favour to apologise for me to Mr. Masterton for 
 my having used such an expression in my unfortunate warmth 
 of temper I am ashamed of myself.' 
 
 ' My dearest father, no man need be ashamed who is so 
 ready to make honourable reparation: we are all a little 
 out of temper at times.' 
 
 'You have been a kind friend to me, Japhet, as well as 
 a good son,' replied my father, with some emotion. * Don't 
 forget the apology at all events : I shall be unhappy until 
 it be made.' 
 
 384 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVII 
 
 Treats of apologies, and love coming from church We finesse with 
 the nabob to win me a wife I am successful in my suit, yet the 
 lawyer is still to play the cards to enable me to win the game. 
 
 I ARRIVED at Mr. Masterton's and walked into his room, 
 when whom should I find in company with him but Harcourt. 
 
 ' Japhet, I'm glad to see you ; allow me to introduce you 
 to Mr. Harcourt Mr. De Benyon,' and the old gentleman 
 grinned maliciously, but I was not to be taken aback. 
 
 ' Harcourt,' said I, extending my hand, ' I have to 
 apologise to you for a rude reception and for unjust suspicions, 
 but I was vexed at the time if you will admit that as 
 an excuse.' 
 
 ' My dear Japhet,' replied Harcourt, taking my hand and 
 shaking it warmly, ' I have to apologise to you for much 
 more unworthy behaviour, and it will be a great relief to 
 my mind if you will once more enrol me in the list of your 
 friends.' 
 
 'And now, Mr. Masterton,' said I, 'as apologies appear 
 to be the order of the day, I bring you one from the 
 general, who has requested me to make one to you for having 
 called you " an old thief of a lawyer," of which he was totally 
 ignorant until I reminded him of it to-day.' 
 
 Harcourt burst into a laugh. 
 
 ' Well, Japhet, you may tell your old tiger, that I did not 
 feel particularly affronted, as I took his expression profession- 
 ally and not personally, and if he meant it in that sense, he 
 was not far wrong. Japhet, to-morrow is Sunday ; do you go 
 to meeting or to church ? ' 
 
 ' I believe, sir, that I shall go to church.' 
 
 ' Well, then, come with me : be here at half-past two we 
 will go to evening service at St. James's.' 
 
 ' I have received many invitations, but I never yet received 
 an invitation to go to church,' replied I. 
 
 ' You will hear an extra lesson of the day a portion of 
 Susannah and the Elders.' 
 
 I took the equivoque, which was incomprehensible to Har- 
 2 c 385 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 court : I hardly need say, that the latter and I were on the 
 best terms. When we separated, Harcourt requested leave to 
 call upon me the next morning, and Mr. Masterton said that 
 he should also pay his respects to the tiger, as he invariably 
 called my most honoured parent. 
 
 Harcourt was with me very soon after breakfast ; and after 
 I had introduced him to my * Governor,' we retired to talk 
 without interruption. 
 
 ' I have much to say to you, De Benyon,' commenced 
 Harcourt : ' first let me tell you, that after I rose from my 
 bed, and discovered that you had disappeared, I resolved, if 
 possible, to find you out and induce you to come back. 
 Timothy, who looked very sly at me, would tell me nothing, 
 but that the last that was heard of you was at Lady de Clare's 
 at Richmond. Having no other clue, I went down there, in- 
 troduced myself, and, as they will tell you, candidly acknow- 
 ledged that I had treated you ill. I then requested that they 
 would give me any clue by which you might be found, for I 
 had an opportunity of offering to you a situation which was at 
 my father's disposal, and which any gentleman might have 
 accepted, although it was not very lucrative.' 
 
 ' It was very kind of you, Harcourt.' 
 
 ' Do not say that, I beg. It was thus that I formed an 
 acquaintance with Lady de Clare and her daughter, whose 
 early history, as Fleta, I had obtained from you, but who I 
 little imagined to be the little girl that you had so generously 
 protected ; for it was not until after I had deserted you, that 
 you had discovered her parentage. The extreme interest 
 relative to you evinced by both the mother and the daughter 
 surprised me. They had heard of my name from you, but not 
 of our quarrel. They urged me, and thanked me for propos- 
 ing to follow you and find you out : I did make every attempt. 
 I went to Brentford, inquired at all the public-houses, and of 
 all the coachmen who went down the road, but could obtain 
 no information, except that at one public-house a gentleman 
 stopped with a portmanteau, and soon afterwards went away 
 with it on his shoulders. I returned to Richmond with the 
 tidings of my ill-success about a week after I had first called 
 there. Cecilia was much affected, and cried very bitterly. I 
 could not help asking Lady de Clare why she took such a 
 strong interest in your fortunes. " Who ought," replied Cecilia, 
 
 386 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 " if his poor Fleta does not ?" " Good heavens ! Miss de Clare, 
 are you the little Fleta whom he found with the gipsies, and 
 talked to me so much about ?" " Did you not know it ?" said 
 Lady de Clare. I then explained to her all that had latterly 
 passed between us, and they in return communicated your 
 events and dangers in Ireland. Thus was an intimacy formed, 
 and ever since I have been constantly welcome at their house. 
 I did not, however, abandon my inquiries for many months, 
 when I thought it was useless, and I had to console poor 
 Cecilia, who constantly mourned for you. And now, Japhet, 
 I must make my story short : I could not help admiring a 
 young person who showed so much attachment and gratitude 
 joined to such personal attractions ; but she was an heiress, 
 and I was a younger brother. Still Lady de Clare insisted 
 upon my coming to the house ; and I was undecided how to 
 act, when the unfortunate death of my elder brother put me in 
 a situation to aspire to her hand. After that my visits were 
 more frequent ; and I was tacitly received as a suitor by Lady 
 de Clare, and had no reason to complain of the treatment I 
 received from Cecilia. Such was the position of affairs until 
 the day on which you broke in upon us so unexpectedly ; and 
 at the very moment that you came in, I had, with the sanction 
 of her mother, made an offer to Cecilia, and was anxiously 
 awaiting an answer from her own dear lips. Can you, there- 
 fore, be surprised, Japhet, at there being a degree of constraint 
 on all sides at the interruption occasioned by the presence of 
 one who had long been considered lost to us ? Or that a 
 young person just deciding upon the most important step of 
 her life should feel confused and agitated at the entrance of a 
 third party, however dear he might be to her as a brother and 
 benefactor ? J 
 
 * I am perfectly satisfied, Harcourt,' replied I ; ' and I will 
 go there, and make my peace as soon as I can.' 
 
 ' Indeed, Japhet, if you knew the distress of Cecilia, you 
 would pity and love her more than ever. Her mother is also 
 much annoyed. As soon as you were gone, they desired me 
 to hasten after you and bring you back. Cecilia had not yet 
 given her answer : I requested it before my departure ; but, I 
 presume to stimulate me, she declared that she would give me 
 no answer until I reappeared with you. This is now three 
 weeks ago, and I have not dared to go there. I have been 
 
 387 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 trying all I can to see you again since you repulsed me at the 
 Piazza, but without success, until I went to Mr. Masterton, 
 and begged him to procure me an interview. I thank God it 
 has succeeded.' 
 
 ' Well, Harcourt, you shall see Cecilia to-morrow morning, 
 if you please.' 
 
 ' Japhet, what obligations I am under to you ! Had it not 
 been for you I never should have known Cecilia ; and more, 
 were it not for your kindness, I might perhaps lose her for ever.' 
 
 ' Not so, Harcourt ; it was your own good feeling prompt- 
 ing you to find me out, which introduced you to Cecilia, and 
 I wish you joy with all my heart. This is a strange world 
 who would have imagined that, in little Fleta, I was picking 
 up a wife for a man whose life I nearly took away ? I will 
 ask my " Governor " for his carriage to-morrow, and will call 
 and take you up at your lodgings at two o'clock, if that hour 
 will suit you. I will tell you all that has passed since I 
 absconded, when we are at Lady de Clare's : one story will do 
 for all.' 
 
 Harcourt then took his leave, and I returned to my father, 
 with whom I found Lord Windermear. 
 
 ' De Benyon, I am happy to see you again,' said his lord- 
 ship. ' I have just been giving a very good character of you 
 to the general ; I hope you will continue to deserve it.' 
 
 ' I hope so too, my lord ; I should be ungrateful, indeed, if 
 I did not, after my father's kindness to me.' 
 
 Mr. Masterton was then introduced : Lord Windermear 
 shook hands with him, and after a short conversation took his 
 leave. 
 
 ' Japhet,' said Mr. Masterton aside, ' I have a little busi- 
 ness with your father ; get out of the room any way you think 
 best.' 
 
 ' There are but two ways, my dear sir,' replied I, ' the door 
 or the windows : with your permission, I will select the former, 
 as most agreeable' ; so saying, I went to my own room. 
 What passed between the general and Mr. Masterton I did 
 not know until afterwards, but they were closeted upwards of 
 an hour, when I was sent for by Mr. Masterton. 
 
 ' Japhet, you said you would go with me to hear the new 
 preacher ; we have no time to lose : so, general, I shall take 
 my leave and run away with your son.' 
 
 388 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 I followed Mr. Masterton into his carriage, and we drove 
 to the lodging of Mr. Cophagus. Susannah was all ready, 
 and Mr. Masterton went upstairs and brought her down. A 
 blush and a sweet smile illumined her features when she 
 perceived me stowed away in the corner of the chariot. We 
 drove off, and somehow or another our hands again met, and 
 did not separate until we arrived at the church door. 
 Susannah had the same dress on as when she had accom- 
 panied me in my father's carriage. I went through the 
 responses with her, reading out of the same book, and I never 
 felt more inclined to be devout, for I was happy, and grateful 
 to Heaven for my happiness. When the service was over, we 
 were about to enter the carriage, when who should accost us 
 but Harcourt. 
 
 ' You are surprised to see me here,' said he to Mr. 
 Masterton ; ' but I thought there must be something very 
 attractive, that you should make an appointment with Japhet 
 to go to this church, and as I am very fond of a good sermon, 
 I determined to come and hear it.' 
 
 Harcourt's ironical look told me all he would say. 
 
 ' Well,' replied Mr. Masterton, c I hope you have been 
 edified now get out of the way, and let us go into the 
 carriage.' 
 
 'To-morrow at two, De Benyon,' said Harcourt, taking 
 another peep at Susannah. 
 
 'Yes, punctually,' replied I, as the carriage drove off. 
 
 ' And now, my dear child,' said Mr. Masterton to Susannah, 
 as the carriage rolled along, ' tell me, have you been dis- 
 appointed, or do you agree with me ? You have attended a 
 meeting of your own persuasion this morning you have now, 
 for the first time, listened to the ritual of the Established 
 Church. To which do you give the preference ? ' 
 
 ' I will not deny, sir, that I think, in departing from the 
 forms of worship, those of my persuasion did not do wisely. 
 I would not venture thus much to say, but you support me in 
 my judgment.' 
 
 ' You have answered like a good, sensible girl, and have 
 proved that you can think for yourself; but observe, my child, 
 I have persuaded you for once, and once only, to enter our 
 place of worship, that you might compare and judge for your- 
 self ; it now remains for you to decide as you please.' 
 
 389 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' I would that some better qualified would decide for me, 5 
 replied Susannah, gravely. 
 
 'Your husband, Susannah,' whispered I, 'must take that 
 responsibility upon himself. Is he not the proper person ?' 
 
 Susannah slightly pressed my hand, which held hers, and 
 said nothing. As soon as we had conveyed her home, Mr. 
 Masterton offered to do me the same kindness, which I 
 accepted. 
 
 'Now, Japhet, I daresay that you would like to know 
 what it was I had so particular to say to the old general this 
 morning.' 
 
 ' Of course I would, sir, if it concerned me.' 
 
 ' It did concern you, for we had not been two minutes in 
 conversation before you were brought on the tapis : he spoke 
 of you with tears in his eyes of what a comfort you had been 
 to him, and how happy you had made him ; and that he could 
 not bear you to be away from him for half an hour. On that 
 hint I spake, and observed, that he must not expect you to 
 continue in retirement long, neither must he blame you, that 
 when he had set up his establishment, you would be as great 
 a favourite as you were before, and be unable, without giving 
 offence, to refuse the numerous invitations which you would 
 receive. In short, that it was nothing but right you should 
 resume your position in society, and it was his duty to submit 
 to it. The old " Governor " did not appear to like my 
 observations, and said he expected otherwise from you. I 
 replied, " that it was impossible to change our natures ; and 
 the other sex would naturally have attractions which you 
 would not be able to resist, and that they would occupy a 
 large portion of your time. The only way to insure his 
 company, my dear sir, is marry him to a steady, amiable 
 young woman, who, not having been thrown into the vortex of 
 fashion, will find pleasure in domestic life. Then her husband 
 will become equally domestic, and you will be all very happy 
 together." Your father agreed with me, and appeared very 
 anxious that it should take place. I then very carefully intro- 
 duced Miss Temple, saying that I knew you had a slight 
 partiality in that quarter, highly commending her beauty, 
 prudence, etc. I stated, that feeling an interest about you, 
 I had gone down into the country where she resided, and had 
 made her acquaintance, and had been much pleased with her ; 
 
 390 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 that since she had come up to town with her relations, I had 
 seen a great deal, and had formed so high an opinion of, and 
 so strong an attachment to her, and had felt so convinced 
 that she was the very person who would make you happy and 
 domestic, that having no family myself, I had some idea of 
 adopting her. At all events, that if she married you I was 
 determined to give her 'something very handsome on the day 
 of the wedding.' 
 
 * But, my dear sir, why should you not have said that 
 Susannah Temple was left an orphan at seven years old, and 
 her fortune has accumulated ever since ? It is by no means 
 despicable, I understand, from Mr. Cophagus ; and, moreover, 
 Mr. Cophagus intends to leave her all his property.' 
 
 ' I am very glad to hear it, Japhet, and will not fail to 
 communicate all this to your father ; but there is no reason 
 why I may not do as I please with my own money and I 
 love that girl dearly. By the bye, have you ever said anything 
 to her ? ' 
 
 * Oh yes, sir, we are pledged to each other.' 
 
 ' That's all right : I thought so, when I saw your fingers 
 tooked together in the carriage. But now, Japhet, I should 
 recommend a little indifference not exactly opposition, when 
 your father proposes the subject to you. It will make him 
 more anxious, and when you consent, more obliged to you. I 
 have promised to call upon him to-morrow, on that and other 
 business, and you had better be out of the way.' 
 
 ' I shall be out of the way, sir : I mean to go with Harcourt 
 to Lady de Clare's. I shall ask for the carriage.' 
 
 ' He will certainly lend it to you, as he wishes to get rid of 
 you ; but here we are. God bless you, my boy.' 
 
 CHAPTER LXXVIII 
 
 The Bengal tiger taken in the toils, which promises a speedy end to mine 
 I kindly permit my father to insist upon the marriage that I have 
 set my heart upon. 
 
 I FOUND my father, who had now completely recovered from 
 his accident, walking up and down the room in a brown study. 
 
 391 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 He did not speak to me until after dinner, when he commenced 
 with asking some question relative to Cecilia de Clare. I 
 replied, ' that I intended, if he did not want the carriage, to 
 call there to-morrow with Mr. Harcourt. 3 
 
 1 Is she very handsome ? ' inquired he. 
 
 ' Very much so, sir. I do not think I ever saw a handsomer 
 young person. Yes, I do recollect one.' 
 
 * Who was that ? ' 
 
 'A young lady with whom I was slightly acquainted, when 
 living in the country. 3 
 
 * I have been thinking, my dear boy, that with the compe- 
 tence which you will have, it is right that you should marry 
 early : in so doing you will oblige your father, who is anxious 
 to see his grandchildren before he dies. My health is not 
 very good. 3 
 
 I could not help smiling at this pathetic touch of the old 
 ' Governors, 3 who, if one could judge from appearances, was 
 as strong as a lion, and likely to last almost as long as his 
 dutiful son. Moreover, his appetite was enormous, and h* 
 invariably finished his bottle every day. I did not, therefore, 
 feel any serious alarm as to his health ; but I nevertheless 
 replied, ' Matrimony is a subject upon which I have never 
 thought 3 (a hem ! a De Benyon never tells an untruth ! 
 4 1 am very young yet, and am too happy to remain with you.' 
 
 ' But, my dear boy, I propose that you shall remain with 
 me we will all live together. I do not intend that we shall 
 part. I really wish, Japhet, you would think seriously of it.' 
 
 ' My dear father, allow me to observe, that at present I 
 am not in a situation to support a wife, and I should be sorry 
 to be a tax upon you, at your age : you require many 
 comforts and luxuries, and I presume that you live up to your 
 income. 3 
 
 ' Then, my dear fellow, you are under a great mistake. I 
 can lay down one hundred thousand pounds on the day of 
 your marriage, with any lady whom I approve of, and still not 
 spend half my remaining income.' 
 
 ' That, sir, 3 replied I, ' certainly removes one difficulty, at 
 the same time that it proves what a generous and indulgent 
 father I am blessed with ; but, sir, with such a fortune, I have 
 a right to expect that the lady will also bring a handsome 
 addition. Miss De Clare is engaged, I believe, to Mr. 
 
 39 2 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Harcourt, or I might have made strong interest in that 
 quarter.' 
 
 ' Something, my dear boy ; but a moderate fortune now-a- 
 days is all that we expect with wives, and the best wives are 
 those who are not born to too much wealth ; still she should 
 bring something ; but tell me, Japhet, who is that young lady 
 whom you thought handsomer than Miss De Clare ?' 
 
 ' A Miss Temple, sir.' 
 
 ' Temple it is a very good name. I think girls brought 
 up in the country make the best wives.' 
 
 ' They do, sir, most certainly : they are more domestic, 
 and make their husbands more content and happy at home.' 
 
 'Well, my dear boy, I have mentioned the subject, and 
 wish you would think of it. You will please me much.' 
 
 ' My dear father, I shall be most happy to obey in every- 
 thing else, but in so serious a point as uniting myself for life, 
 I think you must allow that a little discretionary power should 
 be given to a son. All I can say is this, show me a young 
 person who is eligible, and if I find that I can love her, I will 
 not refuse to obey your wishes.' 
 
 'Well, sir, do as you please,' replied my father, very 
 angrily ; ' but I think, sir, when I desire you to fall in love it 
 is your duty to obey.' 
 
 ' Suppose I was to fall in love with a person you did not 
 like, would you allow me to marry her ? ' 
 
 ' Most certainly not, sir.' 
 
 ' Then, sir, is it reasonable to expect me to marry without 
 being in love ? ' 
 
 ' I did not marry for love, sir.' 
 
 ' No,' replied I, forgetting myself a little ; ' and a pretty 
 mess you made of it.' 
 
 ' I did,' rejoined my father in a rage, ' by begetting an 
 undutiful, good-for-nothing, graceless, insolent, ungrateful son.' 
 
 ' My dear father, I was not aware that I had a brother.' 
 
 ' I mean you, sir.' 
 
 ' To prove to you how unjust you are, sir, and how little I 
 deserve what you have called me, I now promise you to marry 
 as soon as you wish.' 
 
 ' Thank you, my boy, that's kind of you ; but I will say 
 that you are a comfort and a treasure to me, and I bless the 
 day that brought you to my arms. Well, then, look about you,' 
 
 393 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 ' No, sir, I leave it all to you ; select the party, and I am 
 willing to obey you.' 
 
 ' My dear boy ! Well, then, I'll talk the matter over with 
 Mr. Masterton to-morrow,' and the general shook me warmly 
 by the hand. 
 
 The next day I picked up Harcourt, and proceeded to 
 Park Street. A note from him had informed them of our 
 intended visit, and other visitors had been denied. * All has 
 been explained, Cecilia,' said I, after the first greeting : * I 
 was very wrong, and very foolish.' 
 
 ' And made me very miserable. I little thought that you, 
 Japhet, would have made me cry so much ; but I forgive you 
 for it, as I would a thousand times as much more. Now sit 
 down and tell us all that has happened since you left us.' 
 
 ' Not yet, my dear Cecilia. You, as well as I, owe a 
 reparation to poor Harcourt, whom, I think, you have treated 
 cruelly. You were about to answer a question of vital moment 
 when I broke in upon you, and you have since kept him in a 
 state of cruel suspense for more than three weeks, refusing 
 him an answer until he brought me into your presence. An 
 hour of such suspense must be dreadful, and before we sit 
 down, I wish every one should feel comfortable and happy.' 
 
 ' It was not altogether to stimulate Mr. Harcourt to bring 
 you back, which induced me to refuse to answer his question, 
 Japhet. I considered that your return had rendered it 
 necessary that it should be deferred until I saw you. I have 
 not forgotten, Japhet, and never forget, what I was when you 
 rescued me ; and when I think what I might have been had 
 you not saved me, I shudder at the bare idea. I have not 
 forgotten how you risked, and nearly lost your life in Ireland 
 for my sake neither has my mother. We are beholden to 
 you for all our present happiness, and I am eternally indebted 
 to you for rescuing me from ignorance, poverty, and perhaps 
 vice. You have been more, much more, than a father to me 
 more, much more, than a brother. I am, as it were, a creature 
 of your own fashioning, and I owe to you that which I never 
 can repay. When, then, you returned so unexpectedly, 
 Japhet, I felt that you had a paramount right in my disposal, 
 and I was glad that I had not replied to Mr. Harcourt, as I 
 wished first for your sanction and approval. I know all that 
 has passed between you, but I know not your real feelings 
 
 394 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 towards Mr. Harcourt : he acknowledges that he treated you 
 very ill, and it was his sincere repentance of having so done, 
 and his praise of you, which first won my favour. And now, 
 Japhet, if you have still animosity against Mr. Harcourt if 
 you ' 
 
 ' Stop, my dear Fleta, I will answer all your questions at 
 once. 3 I took Harcourt's hand, and placed it in hers. * May 
 God bless you both, and may you be happy ! ' 
 
 Cecilia threw her arms round me and wept ; so did every- 
 body else, I believe. It was lucky for Harcourt that I was in 
 love with Susannah Temple. As soon as Cecilia had recovered 
 a little, I kissed her, and passed her over to her right owner, 
 who led her to the sofa. Lady de Clare and I went out of 
 the room on important business, and did not return for a 
 quarter of an hour. When we returned, Cecilia went to her 
 mother and embraced her, while Harcourt silently squeezed 
 my hand. We then all sat down, and I gave them an account 
 of all that had passed during my second excursion how I had 
 nearly been hanged how I had gone mad how I had turned 
 Quaker and apothecary which they all agreed, with what 
 had happened to me before, made up a very eventful 
 history. 
 
 * And, Japhet, if it be a fair question about one so fair, was 
 that Miss Temple who was at church with you yesterday ? ' 
 
 * It was.' 
 
 'Then, Cecilia, if ever she appears in the same circle, 
 except in my eyes, your beauty will stand in some danger of 
 being eclipsed.' 
 
 * How can you say except in your eyes, Mr. Harcourt,' 
 replied Cecilia, ' the very observation proves that it is eclipsed 
 in your eyes, whatever it may be in those of others. Now, as 
 a punishment, I have a great mind to order you away again, 
 until you bring her face to face, that I may judge myself.' 
 
 * If I am again banished,' replied Harcourt, ' I shall have a 
 second time to appeal to De Benyon to be able to come back 
 again. He can produce her, I have no doubt.' 
 
 * And perhaps may, some of these days, Cecilia.' 
 <Oh ! do, Japhet. I will love her so.' 
 
 * You must wait a little first. I am not quite so far 
 advanced as you and Harcourt. I have not received the 
 consent of all parties, as you have to-day. But I must now 
 
 395 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 leave you. Harcourt, I presume you will dine here. I must 
 dine with my " Governor." ' 
 
 On my return, I found that the table was laid for three, 
 and that the general had asked Mr. Masterton, from which I 
 augured well. Masterton could not speak to me when he 
 arrived, but he gave me a wink and a smile, and I was 
 satisfied. ' Japhet,' said my father, you have no engagement 
 to-morrow, I hope, because I shall call at Mr. Masterton's on 
 business, and wish you to accompany me. 5 
 
 I replied, that ' I should be most happy,' and the con- 
 versation became general. 
 
 I accompanied my father the next day to Lincoln's Inn ; 
 and when we went up, we found Mr. Masterton at the table 
 with Mr. Cophagus, and Susannah sitting apart near the 
 window. 'The plot thickens,' thought I. The fact was, as I 
 was afterwards told by Mr. Masterton, he had prevailed upon 
 Cophagus to pretend business, and to bring Susannah with 
 him, and appointed them a quarter of an hour before our time. 
 This he had arranged, that the general might see Miss 
 Temple, as if by accident ; and also allow me, who, my father 
 supposed, was not aware of Miss Temple being in town, to 
 meet with her. What a deal of humbug there is in this world ! 
 Nothing but plot and counterplot ! I shook hands with 
 Cophagus, who, I perceived, had, notwithstanding his wife's 
 veto, put on his blue cotton net pantaloons and Hessian boots, 
 and he appeared to be so tight in both, that he could hardly 
 move. As far as I could judge, his legs had not improved 
 since I had last seen them in this his favourite dress. 
 
 ' Mr. De Benyon, I believe that you have met Miss Temple 
 before,' said Mr. Masterton, winking at me. * In Berkshire, 
 was it not ? Miss Temple, allow me to introduce General De 
 Benyon.' 
 
 I went up to Susannah, who coloured and trembled at the 
 sight of my father, as I expressed my hope that she had been 
 well since we last met. She perceived that there was some 
 planned scheme, and was so puzzled that she said nothing. 
 My father then spoke to her, and after a short time took a 
 chair, and seated himself close to her. I never knew her 
 make herself so agreeable. He asked her where she was 
 staying, and when he heard that it was with Mr. Cophagus, 
 he said that he should have the pleasure of calling upon Mr. 
 
 39 6 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Cophagus, and thank him for his kind information relative to 
 me. Shortly afterwards Cophagus took his leave, and Susannah 
 rose to accompany him, when my father, hearing that they 
 had walked, insisted upon putting Miss Temple down in his 
 carriage. So that Mr. Cophagus had to walk home one way, 
 and I the other. 
 
 CHAPTER LXXIX 
 
 Poor Cophagus finds an end to his adventures by the means of a mad 
 bull ; I, of mine, by matrimony Father is prettily behaved, and my 
 Quaker wife the most fashionably dressed lady in town Verily ! 
 hum ! 
 
 ALAS ! little did Mr. Cophagus know how fatal to him would 
 be the light cotton nets when he put them on that day. He 
 had proceeded, as it appears, about two -thirds of his way 
 home (he lived in Welbeck Street), when he perceived a rush 
 from up a street leading into Oxford Street, He looked to 
 ascertain the cause, when to his horror he perceived what to 
 him was the greatest of all horrors a mad bull. If anything 
 could make Mr. Cophagus run, it was a sight like that, and 
 he did run ; but he could not run fast in his cotton nets and 
 tight Hessians, which crippled him altogether. As if out of 
 pure spite, the bull singled him out from at least one hundred, 
 who exerted their agility, and again was poor Mr. Cophagus 
 tossed far behind the animal, fortunately breaking his fall by 
 tumbling on a large dog who was in full chase. The dog, 
 who was unable to crawl from beneath the unfortunate 
 Cophagus, was still in a condition to bite, which he did most 
 furiously ; and the butcher, who had an affection for his dog, 
 when he perceived its condition, also vented his fury upon 
 poor Cophagus, by saluting him with several blows on his 
 head with his cudgel. What between the bull, the dog, and 
 the butcher, poor Mr. Cophagus was taken into a shop in a 
 very deplorable condition. After some time he recovered and 
 was able to name his residence, when he was taken home. 
 
 It was late in the evening when I received a note from 
 Susannah, informing me of that unfortunate accident. My 
 
 397 
 
JAPPIET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 father had just finished a long story about filial duty, country 
 girls, good wives, etc., and had wound up by saying, that he 
 and Mr. Masterton both considered that Miss Temple would 
 be a very eligible match, and that, as I had requested him to 
 select, he had selected her accordingly. I had just proved 
 how truly dutiful I was, by promising to do all I could to love 
 her, and to fulfil his wishes, when the note was put in my 
 hands. I read it, stated its contents to my father, and, with 
 his permission, immediately jumped into a hackney-coach, and 
 drove to Welbeck Street. 
 
 On my arrival I found poor Mrs. Cophagus in a state of 
 syncope, and Susannah attending her. I sent for the surgeon 
 who had been called in, and then went up to Mr. Cophagus. 
 He was much better than I expected calm, and quite sensible. 
 His wounds had been dressed by the surgeon, but he did not 
 appear to be aware of the extent of the injury he had received. 
 When the surgeon came I questioned him. He informed me 
 that although much hurt, he did not consider that there was 
 any danger to be apprehended ; there were no bones broken ; 
 the only fear that he had was, that there might be some 
 internal injury ; but at present that could not be ascertained. 
 I thanked him, and consoled Mrs. Cophagus with this infor- 
 mation. I then returned to her husband, who shook his 
 head, and muttered, as I put my ear down to hear him, 
 ' Thought so come to London full of mad bulls tossed 
 die and so on. 5 
 
 ' Oh no ! ' replied I, ' the surgeon says that there is no 
 danger. You will be up in a week but now you must keep 
 very quiet. I will send Mrs. Cophagus to you.' 
 
 I went out ; and finding her composed, I desired her to 
 go to her husband, who wished to see her, and I was left 
 alone with Susannah. I told her all that had passed, and 
 after two delightful hours had escaped, I returned home to the 
 hotel. My father had waited up for some time, and finding 
 that I did not return, had retired. When I met him the next 
 morning, I mentioned what the surgeon had said ; but stated 
 that, in my opinion, there was great cause for alarm in a man 
 of Mr. Cophagus's advanced age. My father agreed with me ; 
 but could not help pointing out what a good opportunity this 
 would afford for my paying my attentions to Miss Temple, as 
 it was natural that I should be interested about so old a friend 
 
 399 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 as Mr. Cophagus. My filial duty inclined me to reply, that I 
 should certainly avail myself of such a favourable opportunity. 
 
 My adventures are now drawing to a close. I must pass 
 over three months, during which my father had taken and 
 furnished a house in Grosvenor Square ; and I, whenever I 
 could spare time, had, under the auspices of Lord Windermear, 
 again been introduced into the world as Mr. De Benyon. I 
 found that the new name was considered highly respectable ; 
 my father's hall tables were loaded with cards ; and I even 
 received two dinner invitations from Lady Maelstrom, who 
 told me how her dear nieces had wondered what had become 
 of me, and that they were afraid that Louisa would have fallen 
 into a decline. And during these three months Cecilia and 
 Susannah had been introduced, and had become as inseparable 
 as most young ladies are, who have a lover apiece, and no 
 cause for jealousy. Mr. Cophagus had so far recovered as to 
 be able to go down into the country, vowing, much to the 
 chagrin of his wife, that he never would put his foot in London 
 again. He asked me whether I knew any place where there 
 were no mad bulls, and I took some trouble to find out, but 
 I could not ; for even if he went to the North Pole, although 
 there were no bulls, yet there were bull bisons and musk bulls, 
 which were even more savage. Upon which he declared that 
 this was not a world to live in ; and to prove that he was 
 sincere in his opinion, poor fellow, about three months after 
 his retirement into the country, he died from a general decay, 
 arising from the shock produced on his system. But before 
 these three months had passed, it had been finally arranged 
 that Harcourt and I were to be united on the same day ; and 
 having renewed my acquaintance with the good bishop whom 
 I had taxed with being my father, he united us both to our 
 respective partners. My father made over to me the sum 
 which he had mentioned. Mr. Masterton gave Susannah ten 
 thousand pounds, and her own fortune amounted to as much 
 more, with the reversion of Mr. Cophagus's property at the 
 decease of his widow. Timothy came up to the wedding, and 
 I formally put him in the possession of my shop and stock-in- 
 trade, and he has now a flourishing business. Although he 
 has not yet found his mother, he has found a very pretty wife, 
 which he says does quite as well, if not better. 
 
 Let it not be supposed that I forgot the good services of 
 400 
 
JAPHET, IN SEARCH OF A FATHER 
 
 Kathleen who was soon after married to Corny. A small 
 farm on.Fleta's estate was appropriated to them, at so low a 
 rent, that in a few years they were able to purchase the 
 property ; and Corny, from a leveller, as soon as he was com- 
 fortable, became one of the Government's firmest supporters. 
 
 I am now living in the same house with my father, who is 
 very happy, and behaves pretty well. He is seldom in a 
 passion more than twice a week, which we consider as miracu- 
 lous. Now that I am writing this, he has his two grand- 
 children on his knees. Mrs. Cophagus has married a captain 
 in the Life Guards, and as far as fashion and dress are 
 concerned, may be said to be l going the whole hog.' And 
 now, as I have no doubt that my readers will be curious to 
 know whether my lovely wife adheres to her primitive style of 
 dress, I shall only repeat a conversation of yesterday night, as 
 she came down arrayed for a splendid ball given by Mrs. 
 Harcourt de Clare. 
 
 ' Tell me now, De Benyon,' said she, ' is not this a pretty 
 dress ? ' 
 
 * Yes, my dear,' replied I, looking at her charming face 
 and figure with all the admiration usual in the honeymoon, 
 * it is indeed ; but do you not think, my dear Susan,' said I, 
 putting the tip of my white glove upon her snowy shoulder, 
 ' that it is cut down a little too low ? ' 
 
 * Too low, De Benyon ! why it's not half so low as Mrs. 
 Harcourt De Clare or Lady C wear their dresses.' 
 
 'Well, my dear, I did not assert that it was. I only 
 asked.' 
 
 ' Well, then, if you only asked for information, De Benyon, 
 I will tell you that it is not too low, and I think you will 
 acknowledge that on this point my opinion ought to be 
 decisive ; for, if I have no other merit, I have at least the 
 merit of being the best-dressed woman in London.' 
 
 ' Verily thou persuadest me, Susannah,' replied I. 
 
 ' Now, De Benyon, hold your tongue.' 
 
 Like a well -disciplined husband, I bowed, and said no 
 more. And now, having no more to say, I shall also make 
 my bow to my readers, and bid them farewell. 
 
 THE END 
 
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