In the mean time I had broken the canvass that he on such short notice. He bespoke also a dozen of had drawn up, and whom should I perceive at some their best wine, and some cordials for me; adding distance but your old friend Mr. Burchell, walking with a sinile, that he would stretch a little for once, along with his usual swiftness, with the great stick and though in a prison, asserted he was never better for which we so much used to ridicule him. As disposed to be merry. The waiter soon made his soon as we came within hearing, I called out to appearance with preparations for dinner; a table him by name, and entreated his help. I repeated was lent us by the gaoler, who seemed remarkably my exclamations several times, upon which with a assiduous; the wine was disposed in order, and two very loud voice he bid the postillion stop; but the very well-dressed dishes were brought in. boy took no notice, but drove on with still greater My daughter had not yet heard of her poor brospeed. I now thought he could never overtake us, ther's melancholy situation, and we all seemed unwhen, in less than a minute, I saw Mr. Burchell willing to damp her cheerfulness by the relation. come running up by the side of the horses, and with But it was in vain that I attempted to appear cheerone blow knock the postillion to the ground. The ful, the circumstances of my unfortunate son broke horses, when he was fallen, soon stopped of them- through all efforts to dissemble; so that I was at selves, and the ruffian stepping out, with oaths and last obliged to damp our mirth, by relating his mismenaces drew his sword, and ordered him at his fortunes, and wishing that he might be permitted peril to retire; but Mr. Burchell running up shiver- to share with us in this little interval of satisfaction. ed his sword to pieces, and then pursued him for near After my guests were recovered from the consterquarter of a mile; but he made his escape. I was nation my account had produced, I requested also at this time come out myself, willing to assist my that Mr. Jenkinson, a fellow-prisoner, might be adeliverer; but he soon returned to me in triumph. mitted, and the gaoler granted my request with an The postillion, who was recovered, was going to air of unusual submission. The clanking of my nake his escape too; but Mr. Burchell ordered him son's irons was no sooner heard along the passage, at his peril to mount again and drive back to town. than his sister ran impatiently to meet him; while Finding it impossible to resist, he reluctantly com- Mr. Burchell in the mean time asked me, if my plied, though the wound he had received seemed to son's name was George: to which replying in the me at least to be dangerous. He continued to com-affirmative, he still continued silent. As soon as plain of the pain as we drove along, so that he at my boy entered the room, I could perceive he relast excited Mr. Burchell's compassion, who at my garded Mr. Burchell with a look of astonishment request exchanged him for another, at an inn and reverence. "Come on," cried I, "my son; though we are fallen very low, yet Providence has "Welcome, then," cried I, "my child! and thou, been pleased to grant us some small relaxation from her gallant deliverer, a thousand welcomes! Though pain. Thy sister is restored to us, and there is her our cheer is but wretched, yet our hearts are ready deliverer: to that brave man it is that I am indebtto receive you. And now, Mr. Burchell, as you ed for yet having a daughter; give him, my boy, have delivered my girl, if you think she is a recom- the hand of friendship, he deserves our warmest rense, she is yours; if you can stoop to an alliance gratitude." with a family so poor as mine, take her; obtain her consent, as I know you have her heart, and you have mine. And let me tell you, sir, that I give you no small treasure: she has been celebrated for beauty, it is true, but that is not my meaning, I give you up a treasure in her mind." where we called on our return." “But I suppose, sir,” cried Mr. Burchell, "that you are apprized of my circumstances, and of my incapacity to support her as she deserves." "If your present objection," replied I, "be meant as an evasion of my offer, I desist: but I know no man so worthy to deserve her as you; and if I could give her thousands, and thousands sought her from me, yet my honest brave Burchell should be my dearest choice." I My son seemed all this while regardless of what said, and still continued fixed at respectful distance.- -"My dear brother," cried his sister, "why don't you thank my good deliverer? the brave should ever love each other." He still continued in silence and astonishment till our guest at last perceived himself to be known, and, assuming all his native dignity, desired my son to come forward. Never before had I seen any thing so truly majestic as the air he assumed upon this occasion. The greastest object in the universe, says a certain philosopher, is a good man struggling with adversity; yet there is still a greater, which is the good man that comes to relieve it. After he had regarded my son for some time with a superior To all this his silence alone seemed to give a air, "I again find," said he, "unthinking boy, that mortifying refusal, and without the least reply to the same crime-" But here he was interrupted by my offer, he demanded if we could not be furnish- one of the gaoler's servants, who came to inform us ed with refreshments from the next inn; to which that a person of distinction, who had driven into being answered in the affirmative, he ordered them town with a chariot and several attendants, sent his to send in the best dinner that could be provided up-respects to the gentleman that was with us, and begged to know when he should think proper to be | house, and the jokes which I audaciously threw waited upon.-"Bid the fellow wait," cried our out-these, sir, I fear, can never be forgiven." guest, "till I shall have leisure to receive him;" and "My dear good lady," returned he with a smile, then turning to my son, "I again find, sir," pro- "if you had your joke, I had my answer: I'll ceeded he, "that you are guilty of the same offence, leave it to all the company if mine were not as for which you once had my reproof, and for which good as yours. To say the truth, I know nobody the law is now preparing its justest punishments. whom I am disposed to be angry with at present, You imagine, perhaps, that a contempt for your but the fellow who so frighted my little girl here. own life gives you a right to take that of another: I had not even time to examine the rascal's person but where, sir, is the difference between a duellist so as to describe him in an advertisement. Can who hazards a life of no value, and the murderer you tell me, Sophy, my dear, whether you should who acts with greater security? Is it any diminu- know him again?" tion of the gamester's fraud, when he alleges that he has staked a counter?" "Alas, sir," cried I, "whoever you are, pity the poor misguided creature; for what he has done was in obedience to a deluded mother, who, in the bitterness of her resentment, required him, upon her blessing, to avenge her quarrel. Here, sir, is the letter, which will serve to convince you of her imprudence, and diminish his guilt.” "Indeed, sir," replied she, "I can't be positive; yet now I recollect he had a large mark over one of his eyebrows."—" I ask pardon, madam,” interrupted Jenkinson, who was by, "be so good as to inform me if the fellow wore his own red hair?"— "Yes, I think so," cried Sophia, "And did your honour," continued he, turning to Sir William, "observe the length of his legs ?"—"I can't be sure of their length," cried the baronet, "but I am conHe took the letter and hastily read it over. vinced of their swiftness; for he outran me, which "This," says he, "though not a perfect excuse, is is what I thought few men in the kingdom could such a palliation of his fault as induces me to for- have done."-" Please your honour,” cried Jengive him. And, now, sir," continued he, kindly kinson, "I know the man: it is certainly the same; taking my son by the hand, "I see you are sur- the best runner in England; he has beaten Pinprised at finding me here; but I have often visited wire of Newcastle; Timothy Baxter is his name. prisons upon occasions less interesting. I am now I know him perfectly, and the very place of his come to see justice done a worthy man, for whom retreat this moment. If your honour will bid Mr. I have the most sincere esteem. I have long been Gaoler let two of his men go with me, I'll er.gage a disguised spectator of thy father's benevolence. I to produce him to you in an hour at furthest." have at his little dwelling enjoyed respect uncon- Upon this the gaoler was called, who instantly taminated by flattery; and have received that hap- appearing, Sir William demanded if he knew him. piness that courts could not give from the amusing simplicity round his fire-side. My nephew has been apprised of my intentions of coming here, and I find is arrived. It would be wronging him and you to condemn him without examination: if there be injury, there shall be redress; and this I may say, without boasting, that none have ever taxed authority; and as I am in the commission of the the injustice of Sir William Thornhill." "Yes, please your honour," replied the gaoler, “I know Sir William Thornhill well, and every body that knows any thing of him will desire to know more of him."—"Well, then," said the barcnet, "my request is, that you will permit this man and two of your servants to go upon a message by my peace, I undertake to secure you."—"Your pro We now found the personage whom we had so mise is sufficient," replied the other, "and you may long entertained as a harmless amusing compan- at a minute's warning send them over England ion, was no other than the celebrated Sir William whenever your honour thinks fit." Thornhill, to whose virtues and singularities scarce- In pursuance of the gaoler's compliance Jenkinly any were strangers. The poor Mr. Burchell son was dispatched in search of Timothy Baxter, was in reality a man of large fortune and great in- while we were amused with the assiduity of our terest, to whom senates listened with applause, youngest boy Bill, who had just come in, and and whom party heard with conviction; who was climbed up Sir William's neck in order to kiss the friend of his country, but loyal to his king. My him. His mother was immediately going to chaspoor wife, recollecting her former familiarity, seem-tise his familiarity, but the worthy man prevented ed to shrink with apprehension; but Sophia, who her; and taking the child, all ragged as he was, a few moments before thought him her own, now upon his knee, "What, Bill, you chubby rogue," perceiving the immense distance to which he was cried he, "do you remember your old friend Burchremoved by fortune, was unable to conceal her tears. ell? and Dick too, my honest veteran, are you "Ah, sir," cried my wife with a piteous aspect, here? you shall find I have not forgot you." So "how is it possible that I can ever have your for- saying, he gave each a large piece of gingerbread, giveness? The slights you received from me the which the poor fellows ate very heartily, as they last time I had the honour of seeing you at our had got that morning but a very scanty breakfast. be oppressed by subordinate tyranny, yet it has been at least equitable." We now sat down to dinner, which was almost hardship or injustice in pursuing the most legal cold, but previously, my arm still continuing pain- means of redress." ful, Sir William wrote a prescription, for he had "If this," cried Sir William, "be as you have made the study of physic his amusement, and was stated it, there is nothing unpardonable in your of more than moderately skilled in the profession: fence; and though your conduct might have been this being sent to an apothecary who lived in the more generous in not suffering this gentleman to place, my arm was dressed, and I found almost instantaneous relief. We were waited upon at dinner by the gaoler himself, who was willing to do "He can not contradict a single particular," reour guest all the honour in his power. But before plied the 'Squire; "I defy him to do so; and several we had well dined, another message was brought of my servants are ready to attest what I say. Thus, from his nephew, desiring permission to appear in sir," continued he, finding that I was silent, for in order to vindicate his innocence and honour; with fact I could not contradict him; "thus, sir, my own which request the baronet complied, and desired innocence is vindicated: but though, at your enMr. Thornhill to be introduced. CHAPTER XXXI. Former Benevolence now repaid with unexpected interest. treaty, I am ready to forgive this gentleman every other offence, yet his attempts to lessen me in your esteem excite a resentment that I can not govern; and this, too, at a time when his son was actually preparing to take away my life;-this, I say, was such guilt, that I am determined to let the law take its course. I have here the challenge that was sent MR. THORNHILL made his appearance with a me, and two witnesses to prove it: one of my sermile, which he seldom wanted, and was going to vants has been wounded dangerously; and even embrace his uncle, which the other repulsed with though my uncle himself should dissuade me, which an air of disdain. "No fawning, sir, at present," I know he will not, yet I will see public justice cried the baronet, with a look of severity; "the only done, and he shall suffer for it." way to my heart is by the road of honour; but here "Thou monster," cried my wife, "hast thou not 1 only see complicated instances of falsehood, cow- had vengeance enough already, but must my poor ardice, and oppression. How is it, sir, that this boy feel thy cruelty? I hope that good Sir William poor man, for whom I know you professed a friend- will protect us; for my son is as innocent as a child: ship, is used thus hardly? His daughter vilely I am sure he is, and never did harm to man." seduced as a recompense for his hospitality, and he himself thrown into prison, perhaps but for resenting the insult? His son, too, whom you feared to face as a man—” "Is it possible, sir," interrupted his nephew, "that my uncle could object that as a crime, which his repeated instructions alone have persuaded me to avoid?" "Madam,” replied the good man, "your wishes for his safety are not greater than mine; but I am sorry to find his guilt too plain; and if my nephew persists" But the appearance of Jenkinson and the gaoler's two servants now called off our attention, who entered, hauling in a tall man, very genteelly dressed, and answering the description already given of the ruffian who had carried off my daughter:-" Here," cried Jenkinson, pulling him in, "here we have him; and if ever there was a candidate for Tyburn, this is one." "Your rebuke," cried Sir William, "is just; you have acted in this instance prudently and well, though not quite as your father would have done: my brother, indeed, was the soul of honour; but The moment Mr. Thornhill perceived the pri thou-Yes, you have acted in this instance per-soner, and Jenkinson who had him in custody, he fectly right, and it has my warmest approbation." seemed to shrink back with terror. His face be"And I hope,” said his nephew, "that the rest came pale with conscious guilt, and he would have of my conduct will not be found to deserve censure. withdrawn; but Jenkinson, who perceived his deI appeared, sir, with this gentleman's daughter at sign, stopped him.-"What, 'Squire," cried he, some places of public amusement: thus, what was "are you ashamed of your two old acquaintances, levity, scandal called by a harsher name, and it was Jenkinson and Baxter? but this is the way that all reported that I had debauched her. I waited on great men forget their friends, though I am resolved her father in person, willing to clear the thing to we will not forget you. Our prisoner, please your his satisfaction, and he received me only with in- honour," continued he, turning to Sir William, sult and abuse. As for the rest, with regard to his "has already confessed all. This is the gentleman being here, my attorney and steward can best in- reported to be so dangerously wounded. He de form you, as I commit the management of business clares that it was Mr. Thornhill who first put him entirely to them. If he has contracted debts, and upon this affair; that he gave him the clothes he now is unwilling, or even unable, to pay them, it is their wears, to appear like a gentleman; and furnished business to proceed in this manner; and I see no him with the post-chaise. The plan was laid be 116 tween them, that he should carry off the young|tion was dictated by tyranny, cowardice, and re- trate who has committed him.-But where is the Sir William remembered the coat to have been worn by his nephew, and all the rest the prisoner himself confirmed by a more circumstantial account, concluding, that Mr. Thornhill had often declared to him that he was in love with both sisters at the but her miseries"} same time. "Heavens!" cried Sir William, "what a viper have I been fostering in my bosom! And so fond of public justice, too, as he seemed to be! But he shall have it; secure him, Mr. Gaoler :-yet, hold, I fear there is no legal evidence to detain him." "Ah, sir,” said I, "that question stings me to the heart; I was once indeed happy in a daughter, Another interruption here footman to bring the child to her, she learned from prevented me; for who should make her appearance but Miss Arabella Wilmot, who was next day to have been married to Mr. Thornhill. Nothing could equal her surprise at seeing Sir William and his nephew here before her; for her arrival was quite accidental. It happened that she and the old Upon this Mr. Thornhill, with the utmost hu- gentleman her father were passing through the mility, entreated that two such abandoned wretches town on their way to her aunt's, who insisted that might not be admitted as evidences against him, her nuptials with Mr. Thornhill should be conbut that his servants should be examined.-"Your summated at her house; but stopping for refreshservants!" replied Sir William; "wretch! call them ment, they put up at an inn at the other end of the yours no longer; but come let us hear what these town. It was there, from the window, that the young lady happened to observe one of my little fellows have to say; let his butler be called." When the butler was introduced, he soon per-boys playing in the street, and instantly sending a ceived by his former master's looks that all his "Tell me," cried Sir Wilpower was now over. liam sternly, "have you ever seen your master and that fellow dressed up in his clothes in company together." "Yes, please your honour," cried the butler; "a thousand times: he was the man that always brought him his ladies."—"How," interrupted young Mr. Thornhill, "this to my face!" "Yes," replied the butler, "or to any man's face. To tell you a truth, Master Thornhill, I never either loved or liked you, and I don't care if I tell you now a piece of my mind."-"Now, then," cried Jenkinson, "tell his honour whether you know any thing of me."-"I can't say," replied the butler, "that I know much good of you. The night that gentleman's daughter was deluded to our house, you were one of them."-"So, then," cried Sir William, "I find you have brought a very fine witness to prove your innocence: thou stain to humanity! to associate with such wretches! But," continuing his examination, "you tell me, Mr. Butler, that this was the person who brought him this old gentleman's daughter."-" No, please your honour," replied the butler, he did not bring her, for the 'Squire himself undertook that business; but he brought the priest that pretended to marry them."-"It is but too true," cried Jenkinson, "I can not deny it; that was the employment assigned me, and I confess it to my confusion." Nor can I go on without a reflection on those accidental meetings, which, though they happen every day, seldom excite our surprise but upon some extraordinary occasion. To what a fortuitous concurrence do we not owe every pleasure and convenience of our lives! How many seeming accidents must unite before we can be clothed or fed! The peasant must be disposed to labour, the show. er must fall, the wind fill the merchant's sail, or numbers must want the usual supply. We all continued silent for some moments, while my charming pupil, which was the name I generally gave this young lady, united in her looks compassion and astonishment, which gave new finish. ing to her beauty. "Indeed, my dear Mr. Thornhill," cried she to the 'Squire, who she supposed was come here to succour, and not to oppress us, "I take it a little unkindly that you should come here without me, or never inform me of the situation of a family so dear to us both; you know I should take as much pleasure in contributing to the "Good heavens!" exclaimed the baronet, "how relief of my reverend old master here, whom I shal every new discovery of his villany alarms me. All ever esteem, as you can. But I find that, like your his guilt is now too plain, and I find his prosecu-luncle, you take a pleasure in doing good in secret.' my promise. You know my friendship, you have long known it; but forget what I have done, and as you once had my warmest vows of constancy, you shall now have them repeated; and be assured, that if your Arabella can not be yours, she shall never be another's."-"And no other's you shall be,” cried Sir William, "if I have any influence with your father." "He find pleasure in doing good!" cried Sir replied she; "I have been deceived, basely deceivWilliam, interrupting her. "No, my dear, his ed, else nothing could have ever made me unjust to pleasures are as base as he is. You see in him, madam, as complete a villain as ever disgraced humanity. A wretch, who, after having deluded this poor man's daughter, after plotting against the innocence of her sister, has thrown the father into prison, and the eldest son into fetters, because he had the courage to face her betrayer. And give me leave, madam, now to congratulate you upon an escape from the embraces of such a monster." This hint was sufficient for my son Moses, who "O goodness,” cried the lovely girl, "how have immediately flew to the inn where the old gentleI been deceived! Mr. Thornhill informed me for man was, to inform him of every circumstance that certain that this gentleman's eldest son, Captain had happened. But in the mean time the 'Squire, Primrose, was gone off to America with his new-perceiving that he was on every side undone, now married lady." finding that no hopes were left from flattery and "My sweetest miss," cried my wife, "he has dissimulation, concluded that his wisest way would told you nothing but falsehoods. My son George be to turn and face his pursuers. Thus, laying never left the kingdom, nor ever was married.-aside all shame, he appeared the open hardy vilThough you have forsaken him, he has always lain. "I find, then," cried he, "that I am to exloved you too well to think of any body else; and pect no justice here; but I am resolved it shall be I have heard him say, he would die a bachelor for done me. You shall know, sir," turning to Sir your sake." She then proceeded to expatiate upon William, "I am no longer a poor dependant upon the sincerity of her son's passion. She set his duel your favours. I scorn them. Nothing can keep with Mr. Thornhill in a proper light; from thence Miss Wilmot's fortune from me, which, I thank she made a rapid digression to the 'Squire's de- her father's assiduity, is pretty large. The articles baucheries, his pretended marriages, and ended and a bond for her fortune are signed, and safe in with a most insulting picture of his cowardice. my possession. It was her fortune, not her person, "Good Heaven!" cried Miss Wilmot, "how very that induced me to wish for this match; and posnear have I been to the brink of ruin! Ten thou-sessed of the one, let who will take the other." sand falsehoods has this gentleman told me: he had This was an alarming blow. Sir William was at last art enough to persuade me, that my promise sensible of the justice of his claims, for he had been to the only man I esteemed was no longer binding, instrumental in drawing up the marriage articles since he had been unfaithful. By his falsehoods himself. Miss Wilmot, therefore, perceiving that I was taught to detest one equally brave and gene- her fortune was irretrievably lost, turning to my rons." son, she asked if the loss of her fortune could lesBut by this time my son was freed from the in- sen her value to him? "Though fortune," said cumbrances of justice, as the person supposed to she, "is out of my power, at least I have my heart be wounded was detected to be an impostor. Mr. to give." Jenkinson also, who had acted as his valet de cham "And that, madam,” cried her real lover, "was bre, had dressed up his hair, and furnished him indeed all that you ever had to give; at least all that with whatever was necessary to make a genteel I ever thought worth the acceptance. And I now appearance. He now therefore entered, handsome-protest, my Arabella, by all that's happy, your want ly dressed in his regimentals; and without vanity of fortune this moment increases my pleasure, as (for I am above it,) he appeared as handsome a fel- it serves to convince my sweet girl of my sincerity.” low as ever wore a military dress. As he entered, Mr. Wilmot now entering, he seemed not a lit he made Miss Wilmot a modest and distant bow, tle pleased at the danger his daughter had just esfor he was not as yet acquainted with the change caped, and readily consented to a dissolution of the which the eloquence of his mother had wrought in match. But finding that her fortune, which was his favour. But no decorums could restrain the secured to Mr. Thornhill by bond, would not be impatience of his blushing mistress to be forgiven. given up, nothing could exceed his disappointment. Her tears, her looks, all contributed to discover the He now saw that his money must all go to enrich real sensations of her heart, for having forgotten one who had no fortune of his own. He could her former promise, and having suffered herself to bear his being a rascal, but to want an equivalent be deluded by an impostor. My son appeared to his daughter's fortune was wormwood. He sat amazed at her condescension, and could scarcely therefore for some minutes employed in the most believe it real." Sure, madam," cried he, "this is mortifying speculations, till Sir William attempted but delusion! I can never have merited this! To to lessen his anxiety.-"I must confess, sir," cried be blessed thus is to be too happy."-"No, sir," he, "that your present disappointment does not |