I have too few friends to neglect any that chance may offer; and as I must carve my own way in the world, and fight for a position in it, I gladly accept any hand that may be stretched out to help me in the struggle." "Just as I would have it," Sir Francis thought, "The very man I took him for.

As I am a true gentleman, mine shall not be wanting, my good youth," he added aloud, with apparent cordiality, and affecting to regard the other with great interest; "and when I learn the particular direction in which you intend to shape your course, I shall be the better able to advise and guide you.

There are many ways to fortune." "Mine should be the shortest if I had any choice," the young man rejoined with a smile.
"Right, quite right," the crafty knight returned.

"All men would take that road if they could find it.

But with some the shortest road would not be the safest.