had claims on him; but I have not upon the
hundreds, whom, when in the zenith of my popularity, I myself, perhaps,
was not over courteous to. I cannot _run the muck_ which you propose,
nor do I consider that I shall help my character by so doing. I may
become notorious, but certainly, I shall not obtain that species of
notoriety which will be of service to me. No, no; I have done too much,
I may say, already; and, although not so much to blame as the world
imagines, yet my own conscience tells me, that by allowing it to suppose
that I was what I was not, I have, to say the least, been a party to the
fraud, and must take the consequence. My situation now is very
unpleasant, and I ought to retire, and, if possible, re-appear with real
claims upon the public favour. I have still friends, thank God! and
influential friends. I am offered a writership in India--a commission
in the army--or to study the law. Will you favour me with your
opinion?"

"You pay me a compliment by asking my advice. A writership in India is
fourteen years' transportation, returning with plenty to live on, but no
health to enjoy it. In the army you might do well, and, moreover, as an
officer in the army, none dare refuse to go out with you. At the same
time, under your peculiar circumstances, I think if you were in a crack
regiment, you would, in all probability, have to fight one half the
mess, and be put in Coventry by the other. You must then exchange on
half-pay, and your commission would be a great help to you. As for the
law--I'd sooner see a brother of mine in his coffin. There, you have my
opinion."

"Not a very encouraging one, at all events," replied I, laughing; "but
there is much truth in your observations. To India I will not go, as it
will interfere with the great object of my existence."

"And pray, if it be no secret, may I ask what that is?"

"To find out _who is my father_."

Captain Atkinson looked very hard at me. "I more than once," said he,
"have thought you a little cracked, but now I perceive you are _mad_--
downright _mad_: don't be angry, I couldn't help saying so, and if you
wish me to give you satisfaction, I shall most unwillingly oblige you."

"No, no, Atkinson, I believe you are not very far wrong, and I forgive
you--but to proceed. The army, as you say, will give me a position in
society, from my profession being that of a gentleman, but as I do not
wish to take the advantage which you have suggest