With the
table, and other things which I had taken, I commenced trade on my
own account, having contrived to learn a few of his tricks. My
only capital was the change for half-a-guinea, which he had once
let fall, and which I picked up, which was all I could ever get
from him: for it was impossible to stale any money from him, he
was so awake, being up to all the tricks of thaives, having
followed the diving trade, as he called it, for a considerable
time. My wish was to make enough by my table to enable me to
return with credit to ould Ireland, where I had no doubt of being
able to get myself ordained as priest; and, in troth,
notwithstanding I was a beginner, and without any companion to help
me, I did tolerably well, getting my meat and drink, and increasing
my small capital, till I came to this unlucky place of Horncastle,
where I was utterly ruined by the thaif in the rider's dress. And
now, Shorsha, I am after telling you my history; perhaps you will
now be telling me something about yourself?"
I told Murtagh all about myself that I deemed necessary to relate,
and then asked him what he intended to do; he repeated that he was
utterly ruined, and that he had no prospect before him but
starving, or making away with himself. I inquired "How much would
take him to Ireland, and establish him there with credit.
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