ry found my conjecture true, and that he was married lately to a
widow in that city, by whom he had got three thousand pounds. Rejoiced
at this intelligence, I went to his shop as soon as it was open, and
found my friend behind the counter, busy in preparing a clyster. I
saluted him at entrance, with, "Your servant, Mr. Morgan." Upon which he
looked at me, and replying, "Your most humble servant, good sir," rubbed
his ingredients in the mortar without any emotion. "What," said I,
"Morgan, have you forgot your old messmate?" At these words he looked
up again, and starting, cried, "As Cot is my--sure it cannot--yes, by my
salfation, I pelieve it is my dear friend Mr. Rantom." He was no sooner
convinced of my identity, than he threw down the pestle, overset the
mortar, and jumping over the board, swept up the contents with his
clothes, flew about my neck, hugged me affectionately, and daubed me all
over with turpentine and the yolks of eggs which he had been mixing when
I came in. Our mutual congratulations being over, he told me, that he
found himself a widower upon his return from the West Indies; that
he had got interest to be appointed surgeon of a man-of-war, in which
capacity he had served some years, until he married an apothecary's
widow, with whom he now enjoyed a pretty good sum of money, peace, and
quiet, and an indifferent good trade. He was very desirous of hearing my
adventures, which I assured him I had not time to relate, but told him
in general, my circumstances were very good, and that I hoped to see
him when I should not be in such a hurry as at present. He insisted,
however, on my staying breakfast, and introduced me to his wife, who
seemed to be a decent sensible woman, pretty well stricken in years.
In the course of our conversation, he showed the sleeve-buttons I had
exchanged with him at our parting in the West Indies, and was not a
little proud to see that I had preserved his with the same care. When I
informed him of Mackshane's condition, he seemed at first to exult over
his distress; but, after a little recollection, said, "Well, he has paid
for his malice; I forgife him, and may Cot forgife him likewise." He
expressed great concern for the soul of Captain Oakum, which he believed
was now gnashing its teeth; but it was some time before I could convince
him of Thompson's being alive, at whose good fortune, nevertheless, he
was extremely glad.

Having renewed our protestations of friendship, I bade