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 remarkably 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."

"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 football, 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 two-pence 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.' 'An