50 HARD NECESSITY. 



unlike themselves the old because he forced them to remem- 

 ber the place to which they were hastening. But the youth 

 seemed likely to precede them. His daily labours, so close and 

 solitary his evening rambles, so late, so damp, and dreary, 

 acting on his feeble frame, were not without their inward 

 effects as well as outward tokens ; and he grew so much worse 

 that he was obliged to give up both his work by day and walk 

 by night, and, what he thought worst of all, to open his 

 strong box the mimic Tomb of the Tomkinses in order to 

 satisfy the demands of his old landlady, now further augmented 

 by her charges as nurse. As for doctor, Tim had none ; and, 

 owing perhaps to this deficiency, he once more rallied, and, as 

 the days lengthened, seemed to gain strength and spirits in 

 proportion. He was quite able, he said, to resume work ; but 

 this was now easier said than done, for the village tailor, by 

 whom he had been employed, had taken an apprentice during 

 his illness, and no longer required the services of his late 

 assistant. Timothy was not, however, utterly cast down. Of 

 his monumental remains were still left the sum of four pounds, 

 and he determined (if possible) that this should not be reduced 

 much further. 



One fine morning in June it was that of St. John's day 

 he set out very early, that he might walk, often resting by the 

 way, to the nearest market-town, about four miles distant, to 

 make inquiries after a new employer. After many failures, he 

 at last succeeded in meeting with a master-tailor who, being 



