My old life seemed suddenly to have drifted from me.

One after another the bonds that held me to it had snapped and sundered.

The pleasant 'prentice days were over.

My master was in gaol, my occupation was gone, the Company from which I hoped promotion were out against me--London was no place for me now.

Even my mistress frowned on me, and my sweet Jeannette, who was wont to believe in me through thick and thin, had turned away.
Was it a wonder, then, if my mind turned with a swing to the only friend that was left me, or if I vowed with myself that, if Sir Ludar would have me, I would follow him wherever he should lead?
My spirits rose--such is the buoyancy of youth--even as I turned and walked towards Richmond.