This subject, however, is too painful to be dwelt on. Let us hear
what Walker did with his money. Why, he furnished the house in the
Edgware Road before mentioned, he ordered a handsome service of
plate, he sported a phaeton and two ponies, he kept a couple of
smart maids and a groom foot-boy--in fact, he mounted just such a
neat unpretending gentleman-like establishment as becomes a
respectable young couple on their outset in life. "I've sown my
wild oats," he would say to his acquaintances; "a few years since,
perhaps, I would have longed to cut a dash, but now prudence is the
word; and I've settled every farthing of Mrs. Walker's fifteen
thousand on herself." And the best proof that the world had
confidence in him is the fact, that for the articles of plate,
equipage, and furniture, which have been mentioned as being in his
possession, he did not pay one single shilling; and so prudent was
he, that but for turnpikes, postage-stamps, and king's taxes, he
hardly had occasion to change a five-pound note of his wife's
fortune.

To tell the truth, Mr. Walker had determined to make his fortune.
And what is easier in London? Is not the share-market open to all?
Do not Spanish and Columbian bonds rise and fall? For what are
companies invented, but to place thousands in the pockets of
shareholders and directors? Into these commercial pursuits the
gallant Captain now plunged with great energy, and made some
brilliant hits at first starting, and bought and sold so
opportunely, that his name began to rise in the City as a
capitalist, and might be seen in the printed list of directors of
many excellent and philanthropic schemes, of which there is never
any lack in London. Business to the amount of thousands was done at
his agency; shares of vast value were bought and sold under his