“Certes no,” answered Tom with a short laugh.  “I am sick of the country.  I have come forth to see the world, and see it I will, or know the reason why.”

“Ah yes, so says every moth that flutters round the candle, till his wings be burnt away, and he left the shattered remnant of what he erstwhile was,” responded Cale, with a wise shake of the head.  “But no man ever yet was found wise enough to take experience at second hand.  So if you are bent on seeing the world—­which, let me tell you, is an evil thing at best—­I will try, for the love I bear to Captain Jack, and indeed to all honest youths, to put you in the way of seeing it with as little hurt to yourself as may be.  And so you are thinking of foreign travel?”

“I was, till I saw what London was like,” answered Tom; “but, i’ faith, I am in no haste to quit it till I have seen its sights and tasted of its pleasures.  Methinks I might go far, and spend much good gold, and not find the half of the diversion which the streets of London afford.”

“Oh, if it be diversion you seek—­”

“It is,” answered Tom frankly; “diversion, and the game of life as it is played elsewhere than in the lanes of Essex.  I have seen enough in one afternoon to excite a thirst which can only be allayed by drinking from the same fountain.  So no more talk of Essex, or even of lands beyond the seas.  I will e’en get you to write a letter to my mother, telling her that I am safely arrived in London town; and knowing that, she must make herself easy, for I was never one who could easily wield a pen.  I was always readier with the sword or the quarterstaff.”

“There will be fine doings in London town, too,” remarked Cale, rubbing his nose reflectively, “when the Duke lands, and is welcomed by all the town as the great victor of Blenheim.  Yes, certainly, you should stay to witness that sight.  Afterwards we can talk of what you had better do.  They are always wanting fine-grown young fellows for the army.  Perhaps when your store of guineas is gone, London will not hold you so fast.”

“My store will last a long while,” answered Tom, confidently slapping his inner pocket where the bag of gold rested.  “I have five hundred golden guineas, the legacy of my father; and to that my mother added another hundred, to fit me out with all things needful for my travels, which things could not well be purchased in Essex.  Now Captain Jack bid me at once hand over to you my money, which, he said, would melt in my pocket like snow, if it were not filched away by thieves and rogues.  He bid me place one hundred guineas with you for my board and outfit, and trust that you would do honestly by me; and the rest was to be put into your keeping, to be doled out to me as I should have need.  It seems a strange thing to be taking the counsel of a highway robber in such matters.  But I like you, Master Cale; and I am just wise enough to know that my guineas would not long remain mine were I to walk the streets with them.  So here I give them into your keeping; I trust you with my all.”