you.

_Gib_. I don't wonder at that, sir, for you never saw me
before--[_Aside_] I hope.

_Aim_. And pray, sir, how came I by the honour of seeing
you now? {81}

_Gib_. Sir, I scorn to intrude upon any gentleman--but
my landlord--

_Aim_. O sir, I ask your pardon, you 're the captain he
told me of?

_Gib_. At your service, sir.

_Aim_. What regiment, may I be so bold?

_Gib_. A marching regiment, sir, an old corps.

_Aim_. [_Aside_.] Very old, if your coat be regimental--
[_Aloud_.] You have served abroad, sir? {90}

_Gib_. Yes, sir--in the plantations, 'twas my lot to be
sent into the worst service; I would have quitted it
indeed, but a man of honour, you know--Besides,
'twas for the good of my country that I should be
abroad:--anything for the good of one's country--
I'm a Roman for that.

_Aim_. [_Aside_.] One of the first; I 'll lay my life. [_Aloud_.]
You found the West Indies very hot, sir?

_Gib_. Ay, sir, too hot for me.

_Aim_. Pray, sir, han't I seen your face at Will's coffee-house?
{101}
_Gib_. Yes, sir, and at White's too.

_Aim_. And where is your company now, captain?

_Gib_. They an't come yet.

_Aim_. Why, d' ye expect 'em here?

_Gib_. They 'll be here to-night, sir.

_Aim_. Which way do they march?

_Gib_. Across the country.--[_Aside_.] The devil's in 't, if I
han't said enough to encourage him to declare!
But I'm afraid he's not right; I must tack
about {111}

_Aim_. Is your company to quarter in Lichfield?

_Gib_. In this house, sir.

_Aim_. What! all?

_Gib_. My company's but thin, ha! ha! ha! we are but
three, ha! ha! ha!

_Aim_. You're merry, sir.

_Gib_. Ay, sir, you must excuse me, sir; I understand the
world, especially the art of travelling: I don't care,
sir, for answering questions directly upon the road--
for I generally ride with a charge about me. {121}

_Aim_. Three or four, I believe. [Aside.

_Gib_. I am credibly informed that there are highwaymen
upon this quarter; not, sir, that I could suspect a
gentleman of your figure--but truly, sir, I have got
such a way of evasion upon the road, that I don't
care for speaking truth to any man.

_Aim_. [_Aside_.] Your caution may be necessary.--[_Aloud_.]
Then I presume you're no captain? {129}

_Gib_. Not I, sir; captain is a good travelling nam