I fear not
these sounds, for a good conscience is the best sheet-anchor.'

'A truly edifying tale,' said the Earl sneering, 'you must be Chaplain
to the fleet, doubtless. The bad boy got whipped and the good boys went
scot free, just as it should be. And now, good folks, you have had your
amusement, and had best seek your homes, and Old Boreas here may go to
his ship or the Devil. I care not.' With this parting benediction the
Earl quitted the apartment, and the crowd soon dispersed. The agent
remained, and a few of the tenantry who had business with him. The
mariner with a grave, quiet look, remained seated on one of the benches.
There was a slight bustle at the door, as of repelling some intruder,
who, however, succeeded in gaining an entrance, and a man whose garments
bespoke extreme poverty, entered and approached the man of business.

Mr. Lambert lifted up his head and looked coldly at him. 'What is it you
want now?' he asked.

'If you please--' began the man.

'Oh! It's all of no use, unless you have brought the money. My Lord
can't wait any longer, and I have a warrant out now.'

'But I have the money,' said the man, and he laid five one pound notes
on the table.

'This is not sufficient,' said Lambert, 'the costs of the summons,
warrant of distress, etc., amount to L14 more.'

'My God!' said he, 'what am I to do?'

'I can take this on account, and stop further proceedings, if you can
procure security to pay the remainder within a month.'

'I cannot. Great God! have you no mercy? I have not tasted food these
three days, and I am weak with fever. I cannot work yet; wait till I am
better.'

This man's attenuated form, his bony hands and cadaverous cheeks--eyes
staring with hunger, told a tale too common, alas, of fearful suffering;
but no marble was colder than the agent.

'I am not your physician, Mr. Johnson, and therefore cannot say any
thing about your fitness for work. One thing I have to say, that is, you
cannot sit rent free in my lord's cottage; the money must be paid or out
you pack. I have an attachment on your tools, so you cannot remove them.
You have had the usual legal notice, and my offer just now was
liberal--very liberal.'

'And my children--'

'There are institutions provided by the laws, Mr. Johnson, for the
reception of paupers. But we are wasting time. Do you accept my
proposition or not?'

'I cannot do it; give me time.'

'Too much has been already wasted. Take back your m