f Sophy's father, and, affecting an air of surprise and
consternation, to which he had never before been subject, thundered at
the door with such an alarming knock, as in a moment brought the whole
family into the hall. When he was admitted, he began to gape, stare, and
pant at the same time, and made no reply, when Godfrey asked what was
the matter, till Mrs. Gauntlet expressed her apprehensions about his
master. When Pickle's name was mentioned, he seemed to make an effort to
speak, and, in a bellowing tone, pronounced, "Brought himself up, split
my topsails!" So saying, he pointed to his own neck, and rose upon his
tiptoes, by way of explaining the meaning of his words.

Godfrey, without staying to ask another question, rushed out, and flew
towards the inn, with the utmost horror and concern; while Sophy, who
did not rightly understand the language of the messenger, addressing
herself to him a second time, said, "I hope no accident has happened
to Mr. Pickle?"--"No accident at all," replied Tom; "he has only hanged
himself for love." These words had scarcely proceeded from his mouth,
when Emilia, who stood listening at the parlour door, shrieked aloud,
and dropped down senseless upon the floor; while her sister, who
was almost equally shocked at the intelligence, had recourse to the
assistance of her maid, by whom she was supported from falling. Pipes,
hearing Emily's voice, congratulated himself upon the success of his
stratagem. He sprung to her assistance, and, lifting her up into an easy
chair, stood by her, until he saw her recover from her swoon, and heard
her call upon his master's name, with all the frenzy of despairing love.
Then he bent his course back to the inn, overjoyed at the opportunity of
telling Peregrine what a confession he had extorted from his mistress,
and extremely vain of this proof of his own sagacity.

In the meantime Godfrey arriving at the house in which he supposed this
fatal catastrophe had happened, ran upstairs to Peregrine's chamber,
without staying to make any inquiry below; and, finding the door locked,
burst it open with one stroke of his foot. But what was his amazement,
when, upon entrance, our hero, starting up from the bed, saluted him
with a boisterous exclamation of "Zounds! who's there?" He was struck
dumb with astonishment, which also riveted him to the place where he
stood, scarce crediting the testimony of his own senses, till Peregrine,
with an air of discontent, which