of Peregrine, whom in his first
transports he d--d as an ungrateful deserter; then he cursed Hatchway
and Pipes, who he swore had foundered the lad by their pernicious
counsels; and, lastly, transferred his execrations upon Jolter, because
he had not kept a better look-out; finally, he made an apostrophe to
that son of a b-- the gout, which for the present disabled him from
searching for his nephew in person. That he might not, however, neglect
any means in his power, he immediately despatched expresses to all the
sea-port towns on that coast, that he might be prevented from leaving
the kingdom; and the lieutenant, at his own desire, was sent across the
country, in quest of this young fugitive.

Four days had he unsuccessfully carried on his inquiries with great
accuracy, when, resolving to return by Winchester, where he hoped to
meet with some hints of intelligence by which he might profit in his
future search, he struck off the common road to take the benefit of a
nearer cut; and finding himself benighted near a village, took up
his lodgings at the first inn to which his horse directed him. Having
bespoke something for supper, and retired to his chamber, where he
amused himself with a pipe, he heard a confused noise of rustic jollity,
which being all of a sudden interrupted, after a short pause his ear
was saluted with the voice of Pipes, who, at the solicitation of the
company, began to entertain them with a song.

Hatchway instantly recognised the well-known sound, in which, indeed,
he could not possibly be mistaken, as nothing in nature bore the least
resemblance to it; he threw his pipe into the chimney, and, snatching
up one of his pistols, ran immediately to the apartment from whence
the voice issued; he no sooner entered, than, distinguishing his old
ship-mate in a crowd of country peasants, he in a moment sprang upon
him, and, clapping his pistol to his breast, exclaimed, " D--n you,
Pipes, you are a dead man, if you don't immediately produce young
master."

This menacing application had a much greater effect upon the company
than upon Tom, who, looking at the lieutenant with great tranquility,
replied, "Why so I can, Master Hatchway."--"What! safe and sound?" cried
the other. "As a roach," answered Pipes, so much to the satisfaction
of his friend Jack, that he shook him by the hand, and desired him
to proceed with his song. This being performed and the reckoning
discharged, the two friends adjourned to the