Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/134

126 though I care not much about death in itself, I am resolved, if possible, not to die a highwayman; hence my caution, and that prudential care for secrecy and safe asylums, which men less wise than you have so often thought an unnatural contrast to my conduct on the road."

"Fools!" said the philosophical Tomlinson; "what has the bravery of a warrior to do with his insuring his house from fire?"

"However," said Clifford, "I send my good nurse a fine gift every now and then to assure her of my safety; and thus, notwithstanding my absence, I shew my affection by my presents;—excuse a pun!"

"And have you never been detected by any of your quondam associates?"

"Never!—remember in what a much more elevated sphere of life I have been thrown; and who could recognise the scamp Paul with a fustian-jacket in gentleman Paul with a laced-waistcoat? Besides, I have diligently avoided every place where I was likely to encounter those who