was over--the trifling sum which I was
obliged to take from the purchasers of stolen articles, who knew that I
was at their mercy--the destitute condition I occasionally was in--and
the life of constant anxiety that I had led. These reflections forced
the truth upon my mind, that there was more, in the end, to be gained by
honesty than by roguery.

"Once convinced, I determined to lead a new life, and from that moment I
assumed as my motto, `Honesty is the best policy.' Do you hear,
youngster?--`always be honest.'"

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

Through tattered clothes small vices do appear; Robes and furred gowns
hide all.

LEAR.

Willy, who was tired out with the extreme mental and bodily exertion
that he had undergone, gave no answer to McElvina's injunction, except a
loud snore, which satisfied the captain that his caution in this
instance was not heard.

"Well," said Debriseau, after a short pause, "how long did this honest
fit last?"

"What do you mean?--how long did it last? Why, it has lasted,--Captain
Debriseau,--it has lasted until now; and shall last, too, as long as
this frame of mine shall hold together. But to proceed. The next
morning I called upon the old gentleman according to his request. He
again told me, `honesty was a scarce commodity.' I could have informed
him that it had always been so with me, but I kept my own counsel. He
then asked me what were my profession and pursuits? Now, as I had two
professions to choose between, and as my last was considered to be just
as abundant in the commodity he prized so much, as my former one was
known to be deficient, I replied that I was a seafaring man. `Then I
may find some employment for you,' replied the old gentleman; and having
put several questions to me as to the nature of the service I had seen,
he desired me to take a walk till three o'clock, when he would be happy
to see me at dinner:--`We'll then be able to have a little conversation
together, without being over-heard.'

"I was exact to my appointment, and my old friend, who was punctuality
itself, did not allow me to remain in the parlour two minutes before
dinner was on the table. As soon as it was over, he dismissed the
servant girl who attended, and turned the key in the door. After
sounding me on many points, during a rapid discussion of the first
bottle of port, he proceeded to inform me, that a friend of his wanted a
smart fellow as captain of a vessel, if I would like t