have put me into limbo as an impostor, I will teach
you to arn your livelihood after my fashion.
You shall work with me until you are fit to start
alone, and then there’s plenty of room in England
for both of us; but mind, never tell any one what
you pick up, or every mumper in the island will put
on a suit of sailor’s clothes, and the thing
will be blown upon.’ Of course, this was
too good an offer to be rejected, and I joyfully acceded.
At first, I worked with him as having only one arm,
the other being tied down to my side, and my jacket
sleeve hanging loose and empty, and we roared away
right and left, so as to bring down a shower of coppers
wherever we went. In about three weeks my friend
thought I was able to start by myself, and giving
me half of the ballads, and five shillings to start
with, I shook hands and parted with, next to you,
the best friend that I certainly ever had. Ever
since I have been crossing the country in every direction,
with plenty of money in my pocket, and always with
one eye looking sharp out for you. My beautiful
voice fortunately attracted your attention, and here
I am, and at an end of my history; but if ever I am
away from you, and in distress again, depend upon
it I shall take to my wooden leg and ballads for my
support.”
Such were the adventures of Timothy, who was metamorphosed
into a precise Quaker. “I do not like the
idea of your taking up a system of deceit, Timothy.
It may so happen—for who knows what may
occur?—that you may again be thrown upon
your own resources. Now, would it not be better
that you should obtain a more intimate knowledge of
the profession which we are now in, which is liberal,
and equally profitable? By attention and study
you will be able to dispense medicines and make up
prescriptions as well as myself, and who knows but
that some day you may be the owner of a shop like
this?”
“Verily, verily, thy words do savour of much
wisdom,” replied Tim, in a grave voice; “and
I will even so follow thy advice.”
I am unsettled by unexpected
intelligence, and again yearn after
the world of fashion.
I knew that he was mocking me in this reply, but I
paid no attention to that; I was satisfied that he
consented. I now made him assist me, and under
my directions he made up the prescriptions. I
explained to him the nature of every medicine; and
I made him read many books of physic and surgery.
In short, after two or three months, I could trust
to Timothy as well as if I were in the shop myself;
and having an errand boy, I had much more leisure,
and I left him in charge after dinner. The business
prospered, and I was laying up money. My leisure
time, I hardly need say was spent with Mr Cophagus
and his family, and my attachment to Susannah Temple
increased every day. Indeed, both Mr and Mrs Cophagus
considered that it was to be a match, and often joked
with me when Susannah was not present. With respect
