"The fact is, that I have observed in nine cases out of ten our bravest fellows have been taken off by the treachery of some early sweetheart or the envy of some boyish friend.

My destiny is not yet fixed.

I am worthy of better things than a ride in the cart with a nosegay in my hand; and 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 show 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 recognize 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 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 _protege_, 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 jail 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 soon be parted!'" "All fools!" cried Tomlinson, filling a bumper; "but I quarrel with the wisdom of your toast.