everything which had happened as a circumstance
conducive to its gratification. "If I must be prisoner for life," said
he to himself, "if I must relinquish all my gay expectations, let me at
least have the satisfaction of clanking my chains so as to interrupt
the repose of my adversary; and let me search in my own breast for that
peace and contentment, which I have not been able to find in all the
scenes of my success. In being detached from the world, I shall be
delivered from folly and ingratitude, as well as exempted from
an expense, which I should have found it very difficult, if not
impracticable, to support; I shall have little or no temptation
to misspend my time, and more undisturbed opportunity to earn my
subsistence, and prosecute revenge. After all, a jail is the best tub to
which a cynic philosopher can retire."

In consequence of these comfortable reflections, he sent a letter to Mr.
Crabtree, with an account of his misfortune, signifying his resolution
to move himself immediately into the Fleet, and desiring that he would
send him some understanding attorney of his acquaintance, who would
direct him into the steps necessary to be taken for that purpose. The
misanthrope, upon the receipt of this intimation, sent in person to a
lawyer, whom he accompanied to the spunging-house whither the prisoner
had by this time retired. Peregrine was, under the auspices of his
director, conducted to the judges' chamber, where he was left in the
custody of a tipstaff; and, after having paid for a warrant of habeas
corpus, by him conveyed to the Fleet, and delivered to the care of the
warden.

Here he was introduced to the lodge, in which he was obliged to
expose himself a full half-hour to the eyes of all the turnkeys and
door-keepers, who took an accurate survey of his person, that they might
know him again at first sight; and then he was turned loose into the
place called the master's side, having given a valuable consideration
for that privilege. This is a large range of building, containing some
hundreds of lodging-rooms for the convenience of the prisoners, who pay
so much per week for that accommodation. In short, this community is
like a city detached from all communication with the neighbouring parts,
regulated by its own laws, and furnished with peculiar conveniences for
the use of the inhabitants. There is a coffee-house for the resort of
gentlemen, in which all sorts of liquors are kept, and a public kitchen,