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Rh saw me in childhood. You know how little I frequent flash houses, and how scrupulous I am in admitting new confederates into our band; you and Pepper are the only two of my associates—(save my protegé as you express it, who never deserts the cave,)—that possess a knowledge of my identity with the lost Paul; and as ye have both taken that dread oath to silence, which to disobey, until, indeed, I be in the gaol or on the gibbet, is almost to be assassinated, I consider my secret is little likely to be broken, save with my own consent."

"True," said Augustus, nodding; "one more glass, and to-bed, Mr. Chairman."

"I pledge you, my friend; our last glass shall be philanthropically quaffed;—'All fools, and may their money be soon parted!'"

"All fools!" cried Tomlinson, filling a bumper, "but I quarrel with the wisdom of your toast;—may fools be rich and rogues will never be poor. I would make a better livelihood of a rich fool than a landed estate."