have already seen," replied Tallyho, "I perfectly
coincide with you in the latter part of your observation, for I have no
doubt but perseverance and integrity, with some portion of ability, is
sure to meet reward."

"You are right," continued Tom; "many instances could be pointed out
in proof of the justice of that remark: some of the greatest men of the
present day have rose from the lowest origin. Shop-boys and porters have
become tradesmen and merchants; shoe-blacks have become statesmen, and
servants councillors. But on the other hand, many who have been born, as
the old saying is, 'with a silver spoon in their mouths,' have 'fallen
from their high estates,' and lingered out the latter parts of their
lives in prisons or work-houses, laying the blame on fate, rather than
attributing failure to their own want of ability, prudence, or active
exertion. But come, I perceive the curricle is ready; let us take
a spank through the City, and look a little more minutely at the
mercantile world."

This call was instantly obeyed by Tallyho, who never doubted but
his Cousin had some object in view, though he frequently started from
Piccadilly without being previously acquainted with it.

Passing out at Hyde Park Corner, Bon remarked that he thought the City
lay the other way.

"Never mind," replied Dashall, "we shall come to the point without
doubt. Why, man, there are more ways than one, and I am not particularly
partial to being blocked up in the public streets, amidst _knowing
jarveys and cramp carmen_, sugar hogsheads, molasses, and slush carts,
which is so frequently the case, when by a slight deviation from the
direct way, we can give the tits a rattler on a good road without
obstruction, and pocket a handful of time into the bargain."

He now turned into the road which leads directly to Vauxhall Bridge; on
arriving at which, Tallyho was much delighted with an extensive view of
the Thames.

"This," said Dashall, "will bring us to a favourite place of amusement,
where you have already cut a conspicuous figure."

"What do you mean?" enquired his Cousin.

"A masquerade," replied he significantly. "Go along Bob."

~69~~ Passing gently over the Bridge, "Do you observe," continued he,
"that extensive building? That is called the Penitentiary. It is a
building designed for the punishment, employment, and reformation of
offenders of secondary turpitude, usually punished by transportation
for a term of years. It has bee