TflE IIPE Ot PETER BUFP. 89 



count*s, both worn bright with constant use ; and there were our 

 names carved thereon, in most grotesque letters, done at the time of 

 our taking possession. There were other names besides ours on 

 these stools ; they had been a sort of chronicle of the oflSce, for there 

 were the names of many of our predecessors, some of whom were 

 now merchants, and others half-starved clerks, as we expected to be 

 before long. The count took a lingering look at that famous weapon, 

 the long ruler, and with a melancholy shake of the head as he laid it 

 down for the last time, said—" You're going into other hands now, 

 and you'll never more slay the tyrant Ticklerib. * * * * 



For a long time after this I had nothing to do but walk up and 

 down the streets, until I became nearly barefoot. This was dreary 

 work ; none but those who have felt what it is to be willing and able 

 to work, and yet be compelled to submit to idleness and starvation, 

 can imagine the sufferings of a man so placed ; what it can be to a 

 man with a wife and three or four children, for whom he suffers and 

 cares more than for himself, God only knows — it seemed to me, who 

 had myself only to think of, to be a most dreadful suflfering. Com- 

 pelled by the very nature of the employment I sought to keep up as 

 genteel an appearance as possible, I had to do it often with an empty 

 stomach. Sometimes I got a few days' employment in arranging the 

 books of small tradesmen ; sometimes other trifling jobs, neither 

 profitable nor lasting, but still welcome. One day, a person who 

 knew me asked if I should have any objection to earn a sovereign. 

 I replied that it was so long since I had had the chance that I could 

 not positively say, but to the best of my belief and judgment, I should 

 have no objection. On my hearing of the manner in which it was to 

 be earned, I almost regretted that I had got to know any such mode 

 of earning money. It was after much persuasion that I at last con- 

 sented, and then it was only through hunger pleading so hard, that 

 it beat conscience out of the field. 



Having received part payment in advance, I proceeded to get 

 something to eat, which was no sooner done than conscience got up 

 a regular row; but I was too far advanced now — I must needs go on, 

 for I could not possibly pay back what I had received from them 

 and already expended. 



