"Take a seat, sir," said Mr. Ramsay. "I'm happy to see you, sir; and the fact of your being early in the day argues well for your success in life. I presume you would like to try a pleasant voyage, to see the world, and make some money at the same time." "Yes, sir," said I; "I did think of trying a sea voyage, but I would like to make a few inquiries first." "Quite right, sir," said Mr. Ramsay, lighting a cigar; "quite right. 'Look before you leap, ' as the saying is. Have a cigar, sir?" at the same time extending a handful of cheap sixes, with a general invitation to the company present.