We had but time to renew our vows, when the boat which was to carry my friend and his new master from me came alongside and severed us.

I watched him till the envious hills came in between; and, as I saw him last, standing and waving his hat, methought a great piece had gone out of my life, and that there was left of me but half the man I once was.
And now must my story hasten on by strides, such as never the laggard months took after I had said farewell to Ludar.

For 'tis of him, not of Humphrey Dexter, that I am the chronicler, and till my history meet him once more my reader is without his hero.
Yet there are one or two scenes a-wanting to fill up the gap; which, even though they concern chiefly me, I must relate in their proper place.
Two months had gone by, and in the budding woods the spring birds were wakening the earth out of her winter sleep, when I stood once more, footsore and friendless, in the streets of London.

How I had got so far it matters not, nor how like a vagabond I begged and worked my way; staying now here for a few days ploughing, now there to break in a colt; held in bondage in one town because I lacked the money to pay my score, and chivied from the next for a rogue, which I was not.

Not a few men I fought by the way--for I clung to my sword through all--and not a few constables I laid by the heels (Heaven forgive me!) in mine own defence.
Be all that as it may, I stood again in London town, whence, it seemed, I had been absent not nine months but nine years.