fire and returned it, which went through his body:
and I would serve the best man so that ever stepped
between stem and stern, if so be that he struck me, as
Captain Oakum did. I am (thank God) safe among the
French, who are very civil, thof I don't understand
their lingo; and I hope to be restored in a little time,
for all the great friends and parliamentary interest of
the captain, for I have sent over to my landlord in Deal
an account of the whole affair, with our bearings and
distances while we were engaged, whereby I have desired
him to lay it before his majesty, who (God bless him)
will not suffer an honest tar to be wronged. My love to
your spouse, and am your loving friend and servant to
command, while
'Thomas Bowling,'

'To Roderick Random

'Dear Rory,
'Don't be grieved at my misfortune, but mind your book,
my lad. I have got no money to send you, but what of
that? Mr. Potion will take care of you for the love he
bears to me, and let you want for nothing; and it shall
go hard but I will see him one day repaid. No more at
present, but rests
'Your dutiful uncle
'and servant, till death,
'Thomas Bowling.'

This letter (which, with the other, was dated from Port Lonis, in
Hispaniola) I had no sooner read than the apothecary, shaking his head,
began: "I have a very great regard for Mr. Bowling that's certain; and
could be well content--but times are very hard. There's no such thing as
money to be got; I believe 'tis all vanished under ground, for my part.
Besides, I have been out of pocket already, having entertained you since
the beginning of this month, without receiving a sixpence, and God knows
if ever I shall; for I believe it will go hard with your uncle. And
more than that, I was thinking of giving you warning, for I want your
apartment for a new prentice, whom I expect from the country every hour.
So I desire you will this week provide yourself with another lodging."

The indignation which this harangue inspired gave me spirits to support
my reverse of fortune, and to tell him I despised his mean selfish
disposition so much that I would rather starve than be beholden to him
for one single meal. Upon which, out of my pocket money, I paid him to
the last farthing of what I owed, and assured him, I would not sleep
another night under his roof.

This sa