d'Espagne, another with silver lace
scolloped, a third with gold binding, and a fourth plain; three dozen
of fine ruffled shirts, as many neckcloths; one dozen of cambric
handkerchiefs, and the like number of silk. The other moveables, which
I possessed by the generosity and friendship of Strap, were a gold watch
with a chased case, two valuable diamond rings, two mourning swords, one
with a silver handle, and a fourth cut steel inlaid with gold, a diamond
stock buckle, and a set of stone buckles for the knees and shoes; a pair
of silver-mounted pistols with rich housings; a gold-headed cane, and a
snuff-box of tortoiseshell, mounted with gold, having the picture of a
lady in the top. The gentleman left many other things of value, which my
friend had converted into cash before I met with him; so that, over and
above these particulars, our stock in ready money amounted to something
more than two hundred pounds.

Thus equipped, I put on the gentleman of figure, and, attended by my
honest friend, who was contented with the station of my valet, visited
the Louvre, examined the gallery of Luxembourg, and appeared at
Versailles, where I had the honour of seeing his Most Christian Majesty
eat a considerable quantity of olives. During the month I spent at
Paris, I went several times to court, the Italian comedy, opera,
and playhouse, danced at a masquerade, and, in short, saw everything
remarkable in and about that capital. Then we set out for England by the
way of Flanders, passed through Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges, and took
shipping at Ostend, from whence, in fourteen hours, we arrived at Deal,
hired a postchaise, and in twelve hours more got safe to London, having
disposed of our heavy baggage in the waggon.

CHAPTER XLV

I inquire for my Uncle, and understand he is gone to sea--take Lodgings
at Charing Cross--go to the Play, where I meet with an adventure--Dine
at an ordinary--the Guests described--become acquainted with Medlar and
Doctor Wagtail

As soon as we alighted at the inn, I dispatched Strap to inquire for my
uncle at the Union Flag in Wapping; and he returned in a little time,
with an account of Mr. Bowling's having gone to sea, mate of a merchant
ship, after a long and unsuccessful application attendance at the
Admiralty; where, it seems, the interest he depended upon was not
sufficient to reinstate him, or recover the pay that was due to him when
he quitted the Thunder.

Next day I hired very hand