As Timothy went out, in came Mr Cophagus. "Heh! Japhet--I see," said he, putting up his cane, "nothing to do--bad--must work--um--and so on. Mr Brookes--boy learn rudiments--good--and so on." Hereupon Mr Cophagus took his cane from his nose, pointed to the large iron mortar, and then walked away into the back parlour. Mr Brookes understood his master, if I did not. He wiped out the mortar, threw in some drugs, and, showing me how to use the pestle, left me to my work. In half an hour I discovered why it was that Timothy had such an objection to what Mr Cophagus facetiously termed the _rudiment_ of the profession. It was dreadful hard work for a boy; the perspiration ran down me in streams, and I could hardly lift my arms. When Mr Cophagus passed through the shop and looked at me, as I continued to thump away with the heavy iron pestle, "Good,"--said he, "by-and-by--M.D.--and so on." I thought it was a very rough road to such preferment, and I stopped to take a little breath. "By-the-by--Japhet--Christian name -- and so on-- sirname--heh!" "Mr Cophagus wishes to know your other name," said Mr Brookes, interpreting. I have omitted to acquaint the reader that sirnames as well as Christian names are always given to the children at the Foundling, and in consequence of the bank note found in my basket, I had been named after the celebrated personage whose signature it bore. "Newland is my other name, sir," replied I. "Newland--heh!--very good name--everybody likes to see that name--and have plenty of them in his pockets too--um--very comfortable--and so on," replied Mr Cophagus, leaving the shop. I resumed my thumping occupation, when Timothy returned with his empty basket. He laughed when he saw me at work. "Well, how do you like the rudimans?--and so on--heh?" said he, mimicking Mr Cophagus. "Not overmuch," replied I, wiping my face. "That was my job before you came. I have been more than a year, and never have got out of those rudimans yet, and I suppose I never shall." Mr Brookes, perceiving that I was tired, desired me to leave off, an order which I gladly obeyed, and I took my seat in a corner of the shop. "There," said Timothy, laying down his basket; "no more work for me _hanty prandium_, is there, Mr Brookes?" "No, Tim; but _post prandium_, you'll _post_ off again."