so much so that he once told me that when he had saved
a certain sum of money he meant to leave off the thimbling business, and
enter Parliament, into which he said he could get at any time, through
the interest of a friend of his, a Tory Peer, my Lord Whitefeather, with
whom he said he had occasionally done business. With the table and other
things which I had taken I commenced trade on my own account, having
contrived to learn a few of his tricks. My only capital was the change
for half-a-guinea, which he had once let fall, and which I picked up,
which was all I could ever get from him, for it was impossible to stale
any money from him, he was so awake, being up to all the tricks of
thaives, having followed the diving trade, as he called it, for a
considerable time. My wish was to make enough by my table to enable me
to return with credit to ould Ireland, where I had no doubt of being able
to get myself ordained as priest; and, in troth, notwithstanding I was a
beginner, and without any companion to help me, I did tolerably well,
getting my meat and drink, and increasing my small capital, till I came
to this unlucky place of Horncastle, where I was utterly ruined by the
thaif in the rider's dress. And now, Shorsha, I am after telling you my
history; perhaps you will now be telling me something about yourself?'

I told Murtagh all about myself that I deemed necessary to relate, and
then asked him what he intended to do; he repeated that he was utterly
ruined, and that he had no prospect before him but starving, or making
away with himself. I inquired, 'How much would take him to Ireland, and
establish him there with credit?' 'Five pounds,' he answered, adding,
'but who in the world would be fool enough to lend me five pounds, unless
it be yourself, Shorsha, who, may be, have not got it; for when you told
me about yourself, you made no boast of the state of your affairs.' 'I
am not very rich,' I replied, 'but I think I can accommodate you with
what you want. I consider myself under great obligations to you,
Murtagh; it was you who instructed me in the language of Oilein nan
Naomha, which has been the foundation of all my acquisitions in
philology; without you I should not be what I am--Lavengro! which
signifies a philologist. Here is the money, Murtagh,' said I, putting my
hand into my pocket and taking out five pounds; 'much good may it do
you.' He took the money, stared at it, and then at me. 'And you mane t