"Yes, sir," replied I; "I have come to ask whether an inquiry has been made after one of the inmates of this charity, of the name of Japhet Newland." "Japhet Newland!" "If you recollect, sir, he was bound to an apothecary of the name of Cophagus, in consequence of some money which was left with him as an infant, enclosed in a letter, in which it was said that he would be reclaimed if circumstances permitted." "I recollect it perfectly well--it is now about six years back. I think there was some inquiry, was there not, Mr G----?" "I think that there was, about a year and a half ago; but we will send for the secretary, and refer to the minutes." My heart beat quick, and the perspiration bedewed my forehead, when I heard this intelligence. At last, my emotion was so great, that I felt faint. "You are ill, sir," said one of the gentlemen; "quick--a glass of water." The attendant brought a glass of water, which I drank, and recovered myself. "You appear to be much interested in this young man's welfare." "I am, sir," replied I; "no one can be more so." The secretary now made his appearance with the register, and after turning over the leaves, read as follows: "August the 16th--, a gentleman came to inquire after an infant left here, of the name of Japhet, with whom money had been deposited--Japhet, christened by order of the governors, Japhet Newland--referred to the shop of Mr Cophagus, Smithfield Market. He returned the next day, saying that Mr Cophagus had retired from business--that the parties in the shop knew nothing for certain, but believed that the said Japhet Newland had been transported for life for forgery, about a year before." "Good heavens! what an infamous assertion!" exclaimed I, clasping my hands. "On reference back to the calendar, we observed that one J. Newland was transported for such an offence. Query?" "It must have been some other person; but this has arisen from the vindictive feeling of those two scoundrels who served under Pleggit," cried I. "How can you possibly tell, sir?" mildly observed one of the governors. "How can I tell, sir?" replied I, starting from my chair. "Why, I am _Japhet Newland_ myself, sir." "You, sir," replied the governor, surveying my fashionable exterior, my chains, and bijouterie. "Yes, sir, I am the Japhet Newland brought up in this asylum, and who was apprenticed to Mr Cophagus." "Probably, then, sir," replied the president, "you are the Mr Newland whose name appears at all the fashionable parties in high life?" "I believe that I am the same person, sir." "I wish you joy upon your success in the world, sir. It would not appear that it can be very important to you to discover your parents."