, concerning which Macloughlin had the meanness to equivocate; but I could only obtain an addition of four shillings per week. Instead of directing, or assisting me in my business as a prompter, which he had engaged to do before I consented to undertake it, he took every opportunity of venting his tenfold portion of spleen upon me.
INCAPABLE of extricating myself, I endured the mean insults of ignorance and malice for five months, till the money which I had borrowed had been deducted from my stipend, and then O'Dogherty immediately discharged me. It would be no easy matter to describe what I felt at this moment. I had not five shillings in the world, was in a strange kingdom, and had no means, now that I was shut out from the theatre,

of obtaining a subsistence. I beheld nothing but misery and famine, and imprecated curses on Macloughlin, for the perfidiousness of his conduct toward• me. Of this I was so sensible, that, though the severity of his manner had gained an entire ascendency over me, I went to his house, and with the utmost firmness, after premising that I would rather starve than incur a fresh obligation from him, displayed the impropriety and injustice with which he had treated, and the shocking necessity to which he had reduced me in such animated terms, that all his accustomed sternness fled, and the Cynic stood abashed before the boy.
THE money which had been deducted from my salary to discharge my debt was so considerable that I had not been able to pay my lodging. I had

a bill against me there, of between three and four pounds. It is true, there was another theatre open in Smock-alley, under the direction of Mossop; but he was insolvent, and none of his people were paid. Here, however, as to a dernier resort did I apply, and was engaged at the same nominal salary that I had had at Capel-street.
A FEW days after this event I was told, by an acquaintance, that a stranger had been making enquiries after me in a very circumstantial and particular manner; and that he appeared much affected when he heard how I had been treated by O'Dogherty and Macloughlin. The description of this stranger's person answered exactly to that of Mr. Turnbull. I received this intelligence at the theatre; and, when I returned home, I found a letter directed to me, and a ten pound

bank bill enclosed. The contents informed me that the donor was an old friend who had a sincere regard for me; and who, if I persevered
