not been without some speculations on the subject."

"I have thought of various things, sir; but how is a poor boy like me to
get a chance? I feel as if I could pick up a little of most trades; but
I have no money, nor any friends."

"Money--friends!" exclaimed he, with a burst of bitterness quite unlike
his previous careless humor. "Well, my good fellow, I had both one and
the other,--more than most people are supposed to have of either; and
what have they brought me to?" He held up his maimed and blood-clotted
hand as he spoke this with a withering scorn in every accent.

"No, my boy; trust one who knows something of life,--the lighter you
start, the easier your journey! He that sets his heart on it, can always
make money; and friends, as they are called by courtesy, are still more
easily acquired."

This was the first time I had ever heard any one speak of the game of
life as such; and I cannot say what intense pleasure the theme afforded
me. I am certain I never stopped to consider whether his views were
right or not, whether the shrewd results of a keen observer, or the
prejudices of a disappointed man. It was the subject, the matter
discussed, delighted me.

My companion appeared to feel that he had a willing listener, and went
freely on, canvassing the various roads to success, and with a certain
air of confidence in all he said that to me seemed quite oracular. "What
a fellow am I," said he at last, "to discourse in this strain to
a street urchin whose highest ambition is to outrun his ragged
competitors, and be first 'in,' for the sixpence of some cantering
cornet! Pull ahead, lad, there's the light at last; and hang me if
they're not two miles out."

The contemptuous tone of the last few words effectually repressed
any desire I might have had for further colloquy; and I rowed away in
silence, putting forth all my strength and skill, so that the light
skiff darted rapidly and steadily through the water.

CHAPTER IX. SIR DUDLEY BROUGHTON

Steadily, and with all the vigor I could command, I pulled towards
the light. My companion sat quietly watching the stars, and apparently
following out som chain of thought to himself; at last he said, "There,
boy, breathe a bit; there's no need to blow yourself; we 're all safe
long since; the 'Firefly' is right ahead of us, and not far off either.
Have you never heard of the yacht?"

"Never, sir."

"Nor of its owner, Sir Dudley Broughton?"

"No, sir, I n