be made. I provided myself
with one suit only, leaving the rest of my wardrobe to be completed in
London.

Knowing that I had an active and intelligent enemy who had two days the
start of me, I was determined to act with what I thought caution. I had
more than a half-year's stipend due to me; I accordingly drew for it
upon the lawyer, nearly 75 pounds, intimating to him, at the same time,
by letter, my arrival in England, and asking if he had any instructions
as to my future disposal. This letter was answered by return of post,
written with all the brevity of business, stating that no such
instructions had been received, and inclosing an order on the Sheerness
Bank for the money.

So far all was highly satisfactory. It proved two things: first, that
Joshua Daunton had not yet carried his machinations in the quarter from
which arose the supplies; and, secondly, that I should now have
considerable funds wherewith to prosecute my researches. In the space
of three days, behold me dressed in the fashionable costume of the
period--blue coat, broad yellow buttons, yellow waistcoat with ditto,
white corduroy continuations, tied with several strings at the knees,
and topped boots. It was in the reign of the "bloods" and the
"ruffians," more ferocious species of coxcombs than our dandies, and
much more annoying.

CHAPTER SIXTY THREE.

RALPH FINDS EVERYWHERE GREAT CHANGES--GIVES WAY TO HIS FEELINGS, AND
MAKES A FOOL OF HIMSELF--THIS CHAPTER WILL BE FOUND EITHER THE WORST OR
THE BEST OF RALPH'S CONFESSIONS, ACCORDING TO THE FEELINGS OF THE
READER.

Having stayed one week at Sheerness, and laid down my plan of future
action, I started in the passage boat for Chatham. There was not much
room for recumbency. I found it, however, and placed the only luggage
that I had, a small parcel, covered with brown paper, under my head as a
pillow. The parcel contained my logs, and my certificates, and a single
change of linen. Very providentially, I had placed my pay-ticket, with
my bank notes, in my pocket-book.

Once, as I opened my eyes at the explosion of an oath more loud than
usual, methought I saw the sudden and white-complexioned face of Joshua
Daunton hanging closely over mine. I started up, and rubbed my eyes,
but the vision had fled. I was determined to be watchful; and, with
this determination in full activity, I again fell asleep; nor was I once
more properly awakened until we had arrived at Chatham. When I