excommunication,
and anathemas; and swore by St. Peter's keys, they should howl ten
thousand years in purgatory, without the benefit of a single mass. A
fourth began to halloo in all the vociferation of a fox-hunter in the
chase; and in an instant the whole house was in an uproar.

The clamour, however, was of a short duration. The different chambers
being opened successively, every individual was effectually silenced by
the sound of one cabalistical word, which was no other than Waistcoat. A
charm which at once cowed the King of P----, dispossessed the fanatic,
dumbfounded the mathematician, dismayed the alchemist, deposed the Pope,
and deprived the squire of all utterance.

Our adventurer was no longer in doubt concerning the place to which he
had been conveyed; and the more he reflected on his situation, the more
he was overwhelmed with the most perplexing chagrin. He could not
conceive by whose means he had been immured in a madhouse; but he
heartily repented of his knight-errantry, as a frolic which might have
very serious consequences, with respect to his future life and fortune.
After mature deliberation, he resolved to demean himself with the utmost
circumspection, well knowing that every violent transport would be
interpreted into an undeniable symptom of insanity. He was not without
hope of being able to move his jailor by a due administration of that
which is generally more efficacious than all the flowers of elocution;
but when he rose in the morning, he found his pockets had been carefully
examined, and emptied of all his papers and cash.

The keeper entering, he inquired about these particulars, and was given
to understand, that they were all safe deposited for his use, to be
forthcoming at a proper season. But, at present, as he should want
nothing, he had no occasion for money. The knight acquiesced in this
declaration, and eat his breakfast in quiet.

About eleven, he received a visit from the physician, who contemplated
his looks with great solemnity; and having examined his pulse, shook
his head, saying, "Well, sir, how d'ye do?--come, don't be dejected--
everything is for the best--you are in very good hands, sir, I assure
you; and I dare say will refuse nothing that may be thought conducive to
the recovery of your health."

"Doctor," said our hero, "if it is not an improper question to ask, I
should be glad to know your opinion of my disorder."--"Oh! sir, as to
that," replied the physic