You understand it was a Continental concern, that Trading society; but I have a lot of relations living on the Continent, because it's cheap and not so nasty as it looks, they say.

     I am sorry to own I began to worry them. This was already a fresh departure for me. I was not used to get things that way, you know.

     I always went my own road and on my own legs where I had a mind to go. I wouldn't have believed it of myself; but, then -- you see -- I felt somehow I must get there by hook or by crook. So I worried them.

     The men said "My dear fellow," and did nothing. Then -- would you believe it? -- I tried the women. I, Charlie Marlow, set the women to work -- to get a job. Heavens! Well, you see, the notion drove me.

     I had an aunt, a dear enthusiastic soul. She wrote: "It will be delightful. I am ready to do anything, anything for you. It is a glorious idea. I know the wife of a very high personage in the Administration, and also a man who has lots of influence with," etc, etc. She was determined to make no end of fuss to get me appointed skipper of a river steamboat, if such was my fancy.