. To say truth, Jack heard these discourses with some
compunction; however, he resolved to try what his new acquaintance
would do for him. They sent Habakkuk Slyboots,* who delivered him
the following message, as the peremptory commands of his trusty
companions:--

* Habakkuk Slyboots, a certain great man who persuaded the
Dissenters to consent to the Bill against Occasional
Conformity as being for their interest.

HABAKKUK.--Dear Jack, I am sorry for thy misfortune: matters have not
been carried on with due secrecy; however, we must make the best of
a bad bargain. Thou art in the utmost jeopardy, that's certain; hang,
draw, and quarter, are the gentlest things they talk of. However, thy
faithful friends, ever watchful for thy security, bid me tell thee that
they have one infallible expedient left to save thy life. Thou must know
we have got into some understanding with the enemy by the means of Don
Diego;* he assures us there is no mercy for thee, and that there is only
one way left to escape. It is, indeed, somewhat out of the common road;
however, be assured it is the result of most mature deliberation.

* A noble Tory lord.

JACK.--Prithee tell me quickly, for my heart is sunk down in the very
bottom of my belly.

HAB.--It is the unanimous opinion of your friends that you make as if
you hanged yourself;* they will give it out that you are quite dead, and
convey your body out of prison in a bier; and John Bull, being busied
with his lawsuit, will not inquire further into the matter.

* Consent to the Bill against Occasional Conformity.

JACK.--How d'ye mean, make as if I hanged myself?

HAB.--Nay, you must really hang yourself up in a true genuine rope, that
there may appear no trick in it, and leave the rest to your friends.

JACK.--Truly this is a matter of some concern, and my friends, I hope,
won't take it ill if I inquire a little into the means by which they
intend to deliver me. A rope and a noose are no jesting matters!

HAB.--Why so mistrustful? hast thou ever found us false to thee? I tell
thee there is one ready to cut thee down.

JACK.--May I presume to ask who it is that is entrusted with so
important an office?

HAB.--Is there no end of thy hows and thy whys? That's a secret.

JACK.--A secret, perhaps, that I may be safely trusted with, for I am
not like to tell it again. I tell you plainly it is no strange thing for
a man before he hangs himself up to inquire who