to
you all the plans I have formed for each. You, Attie, shall repair to
London: be the Windsor road and the purlieus of Pimlico your especial
care. Look you, my hero, to these letters; they will apprise you of much
work. I need not caution you to silence. Like the oyster, you never open
your mouth but for something. Honest Old Bags, a rich grazier will be
in Smithfield on Thursday; his name is Hodges, and he will have somewhat
like a thousand pounds in his pouch. He is green, fresh, and avaricious;
offer to assist him in defrauding his neighbours in a bargain, and cease
not till thou hast done that with him which he wished to do to others.
Be, excellent old man, like the frog-fish, which fishes for other fishes
with two horns that resemble baits; the prey dart at the horns, and are
down the throat in an instant!--For thee, dearest Jem, these letters
announce a prize: fat is Parson Pliant; full is his purse; and he rides
from Henley to Oxford on Friday,--I need say no more! As for the rest
of you, gentlemen, on this paper you will see your destinations fixed. I
warrant you, ye will find enough work till we meet again this day three
months. Myself, Augustus Tomlinson, and Ned Pepper remain in Bath; we
have business in hand, gentlemen, of paramount importance; should you by
accident meet us, never acknowledge us,--we are incog.; striking at
high game, and putting on falcon's plumes to do it in character,--you
understand; but this accident can scarcely occur, for none of you will
remain at Bath; by to-morrow night, may the road receive you. And now,
gentlemen, speed the glass, and I'll give you a sentiment by way of a
spur to it,--

"'Much sweeter than honey
Is other men's money!"'

Our hero's maxim was received with all the enthusiasm which agreeable
truisms usually create. And old Mr. Bags rose to address the chair;
unhappily for the edification of the audience, the veteran's foot
slipped before he had proceeded further than "Mr. President;" he fell to
the earth with a sort of reel,--

"Like shooting stars he fell to rise no more!"

His body became a capital footstool for the luxurious Pepper. Now
Augustus Tomlinson and Clifford, exchanging looks, took every possible
pains to promote the hilarity of the evening; and before the third hour
of morning had sounded, they had the satisfaction of witnessing the
effects of their benevolent labours in the prostra