them all, the professions which they had been brought
up to, and their careers in life. I treasured up this information, and,
as soon as I had an opportunity, wrote down all which he had told me.
On our arrival at Holyhead, the weather was very boisterous, and the
packet was to depart immediately. Mr McDermott stated his intentions
to go over, but Mr Cophagus and the professor declined; and, anxious as
I was to proceed, I did not wish to be any longer in company with the
agent, and, therefore, also declined going on board. Mr McDermott
called for a glass of brandy and water, drank it off in haste, and then,
followed by the porter, with his luggage, went down to embark.

As soon as he was gone, I burst into a fit of laughter. "Well, Mr
Cophagus, acknowledge that it is possible to persuade a man out of his
senses. You knew me, and you were perfectly right in asserting that I
was Japhet, yet did I persuade you at last that you were mistaken. But
I will explain to you why I did so."

"All right," said the apothecary, taking my proffered hand, "thought
so--no mistake--handsome fellow--so you are--Japhet Newland--my
apprentice--and so on."

"Yes, sir," replied I, laughing, "I am Japhet Newland." (I turned
round, hearing a noise, the door had been opened, and Mr McDermott had
just stepped in; he had returned for an umbrella, which he had
forgotten; he looked at me, at Mr Cophagus, who still held my hand in
his, turned short round, said nothing, and walked out.) "This is
unfortunate," observed I: "my reason for not avowing myself was to
deceive that very person, and now I have made the avowal to his face;
however, it cannot be helped."

I sat down with my old master, and as I knew that I could confide in
him, gave him an outline of my life, and stated my present intentions.

"I see, Japhet, I see--done mischief--sorry for it--can't be helped--do
all I can--um--what's to be done--be your friend--always like you--help
all I can--and so on."

"But what would you advise, sir?"

"Advice--bad as physic--nobody takes it--Ireland--wild place--no law--
better go back--leave all to me--find out--and so on."

This advice I certainly did not consent to follow.

We argued the matter over for some time, and then it was agreed that we
should proceed together. I was informed by Mr Cophagus that he had
retired with a very handsome fortune, and was living in the country,
about ten miles from the metropolis; that he had been su