"No," replied I, laughing; "but recollect, Tim, that we had no outlay. The public provided us with food, our lodging cost us nothing. We have had no taxes to pay; and at the same time have taxed folly and credulity to a great extent." "That's true, Japhet; and although I am glad to have the money, I am not sorry that we have abandoned the profession." "Nor am I, Tim; if you please, we will forget it altogether. But tell me, what was the exception you were about to make?" "Simply this. Although upwards of three hundred pounds may be a great deal of money, yet, if we are to support the character and appearance of gentlemen, it will not last for ever. For instance, we must have our _valets_. What an expense that will be! Our clothes too--we shall soon lose our rank and station in society, without we obtain a situation under government." "We must make it last as long as we can, Timothy; and trust to good fortune to assist us." "That's all very well, Japhet; but I had rather trust to our own prudence. Now hear what I have to say. You will be as much assisted by a _trusty_ valet as by any other means. I shall, as a gentleman, be only an expense and an incumbrance; but as a valet I shall be able to play into your hands, at the same time more than one half the expense will be avoided. With your leave, therefore, I will take my proper situation, put on your livery, and thereby make myself of the greatest use." I could not help acknowledging the advantages to be derived from this proposal of Timothy's; but I did not like to accept it. "It is very kind of you, Timothy," replied I; "but I can only look upon you as a friend and an equal."