is not. Pray answer me, before I say
anything more. You know I can be useful here."

"Indeed, Timothy, I have often wished for you since I have been here,
and it will be your own fault if I part with you. You shall assist me
in the shop; but you must dress like me."

"Dress like you! have I not always dressed like you? When we started
from Cophagus's, were we not dressed much alike? did we not wear
spangled jackets together? did I not wear your livery, and belong to
you? I'll put on anything, Japhet--but we must not part again."

"My dear Timothy, I trust we shall not; but I expect my assistant here
soon, and do not wish that he should see you in that garb. Go to a
small public-house at the farther end of this street, and when you see
me pass, come out to me, and we will walk out into the country, and
consult together."

"I have put up at a small house not far off, and have some clothes
there; I will alter my dress and meet you. God bless you, Japhet."

Timothy then picked up his ballads, which were scattered on the floor,
put up his leg, and putting on his wooden stump, hastened away, after
once more silently pressing my hand.

In half an hour my assistant returned, and I desired him to remain in
the shop, as I was going out on business. I then walked to the
appointed rendezvous, and was soon joined by Tim, who had discarded his
sailor's disguise, and was in what is called a shabby-genteel sort of
dress. After the first renewed greeting, I requested Tim to let me know
what had occurred to him since our separation.

"You cannot imagine, Japhet, what my feelings were when I found, by your
note, that you had left me. I had perceived how unhappy you had been
for a long while, and I was equally distressed, although I knew not the
cause. I had no idea until I got your letter, that you had lost all
your money; and I felt it more unkind of you to leave me then, than if
you had been comfortable and independent. As for looking after you,
that I knew would be useless; and I immediately went to Mr Masterton,
to take his advice as to how I should proceed. Mr Masterton had
received your letter, and appeared to be very much annoyed. `Very
foolish boy,' said he; `but there is nothing that can be done now. He
is mad, and that is all that can be said in his excuse. You must do as
he tells you, I suppose, and try the best for yourself. I will help you
in any way that I can, my poor fellow,' said he, `so don't cry