s, with this variation from the truth, that
the debt amounted to twelve thousand, instead of twelve hundred pounds.
From which circumstance it was conjectured, that Peregrine was a bite
from the beginning, who had found credit on account of his effrontery
and appearance, and imposed himself upon the town as a young gentleman
of fortune. They rejoiced, therefore, at his calamity, which they
considered as a just punishment for his fraud and presumption, and began
to review certain particulars of his conduct, that plainly demonstrated
him to be a rank adventurer, long before he had arrived at this end of
his career.

Pickle, who now believed his glory was set for ever, received this
intelligence with that disdain which enables a man to detach himself
effectually from the world, and, with great tranquility, gave the
misanthrope an entertaining detail of what he had seen and heard since
their last parting. While they amused themselves in this manner over
a dish of coffee they were joined by the parson, who congratulated our
hero upon his bearing mischance with such philosophic quite, and began
to regale the two friends with some curious circumstances relating to
the private history of the several prisoners, as they happened to come
in. At length a gentleman entered; at sight of whom the clergyman rose
up, and saluted him with a most reverential bow, which was graciously
returned by the stranger, who, with a young man that attended him,
retired to the other end of the room. They were no sooner out of
hearing, than the communicative priest desired his company to take
particular notice of this person to whom he had paid his respects.
"That man," said he, "is this day one of the most flagrant instances
of neglected virtue which the world can produce. Over and above a cool
discerning head, fraught with uncommon learning and experience, he
is possessed of such fortitude and resolution, as no difficulties can
discourage, and no danger impair; and so indefatigable in his humanity,
that even now, while he is surrounded with such embarrassments as would
distract the brain of an ordinary mortal, he has added considerably to
his encumbrances, by taking under his protection that young gentleman,
who, induced by his character, appealed to his benevolence for redress
of the grievances under which he labours from the villainy of guardian."

Peregrine's curiosity being excited by this encomium, asked the name of
this generous patron, of whi