CHAPTER IV.
A lesson to all stocking-knitters—Martin's prospects begin to open up.
In the small sea-port of Bilton, before mentioned, there dwelt an old and wealthy merchant and ship-owner, who devoted a small portion of his time to business, and a very large portion of it to what is usually termed " doing good." This old gentleman was short, and stout, and rosy, and bald, and active, and sharp as a needle.
In the short time that Mr. Arthur Jollyboy devoted to business, he accomplished as much as most men do in the course of a long day. There was not a be- nevolent society in the town of which Arthur Jolly- boy, Esquire, of the Old Hulk (as he styled his cottage), was not a member, director, secretary, and treasurer, all in one, and all at once ! If it had been possible for man to be ubiquitous, Mr. Jollyboy would have been so naturally , or, if not naturally, he would have made himself so by force of will. Yet he made no talk about it. His step was quiet, though quick;
