reserve peace
in the family, which could not otherwise be maintained; that, moreover,
Nanette had conceived an affection for me, and he loved her too well
to balk her inclination; more especially, when he had an opportunity of
obliging his friend at the same time. I thanked him for this instance
of his friendship, though I was extremely disgusted at his want of
delicacy, and cursed the occasion that threw me in his way. Libertine as
I was, I could not bear to see a man behave so wide of the character he
assumed. I looked upon him as a person of very little worth or honesty,
and should even have kept a wary eye upon my pocket, if I had thought he
could have had any temptation to steal. But I could not conceive the use
of money to a capuchin, who is obliged, by the rules of his order, to
appear like a beggar, and enjoy all other necessaries of life gratis;
besides, my fellow traveller seemed to be of a complexion too careless
and sanguine to give me any apprehension on that score; so that I
proceeded with great confidence, in expectation of being soon at my
journey's end.

CHAPTER XLIII

We lodge at a House near Amiens, where I am robbed by the Capuchin, who
escapes while I am asleep--I go to Noyons in search of him, but
without Success--make my Condition known to several People, but find
no Relief--grow desperate--find a Company of Soldiers--Enlist in the
Regiment of Picardy--we are ordered into Germany--I find the Fatigues of
the March almost intolerable--Quarrel with my Comrade in a dispute about
Politics--he challenges me to the Field--wounds and disarms me

The third night of our pilgrimage we passed at a house near Amiens,
where being unknown, we supped upon indifferent fare and sour wine, and
were fain to be in a garret upon an old mattress, which, I believe had
been in the possession of ten thousand myriads of fleas time out of
mind. We did not invade their territory with impunity; in less than
a minute we were attacked by stings innumerable, in spite of which,
however, I fell fast asleep, being excessively fatigued with our day's
march, and did not wake till nine next morning, when, seeing myself
alone, I started up in a terrible fright, and, examining my pockets,
found my presaging fear too true! My companion had made free with my
cash, and left me to seek my way to Paris by myself! I ran down stairs
immediately; and, with a look full of grief and amazement, inquired for
the mendicant, who, they gave