ence from the garrison must be a very great detriment to his
private affairs; and, lastly, that his presence in the Fleet would be
a very great hindrance to Pickle himself, whose hope of regaining his
liberty altogether depended upon his being detached from all company and
interruption.

To these remonstrances Jack replied, that, as to the opinion of
the world, it was no more to him than a rotten net-line; and if his
relations had a mind to have his upper works condemned, he did not doubt
but he should be able to stand the survey, without being declared unfit
for service; that he had no affairs at the garrison, but such as
would keep cold; and with regard to Pickle's being interrupted by his
presence, he gave him his word, that he would never come alongside of
him, except when he should give him the signal for holding discourse.
In conclusion, he signified his resolution to stay where he was, at all
events, without making himself accountable to any person, whatsoever.

Peregrine seeing him determined, desisted from any further importunity;
resolving, however, to tire him out of his plan by reserve and
supercilious neglect; for he could not bear the thought of being so
notoriously obliged by any person upon earth. With this view he quitted
the lieutenant, upon some slight pretence; after having told him, that
he could not have the pleasure of his company at dinner, because he was
engaged with a particular club of his fellow-prisoners.

Jack was a stranger to the punctilios of behaviour, and therefore did
not take this declaration amiss; but had immediate recourse to the
advice of his counsellor, Mr. Pipes, who proposed, that he should go to
the coffee-house and kitchen, and give the people to understand that he
would pay for all such liquor and provisions as Mr. Pickle should order
to be sent to his lodging. This expedient was immediately practised; and
as there was no credit in the place, Hatchway deposited a sum of money,
by way of security, to the cook and the vintner, intimating, that
there was a necessity for taking that method of befriending his cousin
Peregrine, who was subject to strange whims, that rendered it impossible
to serve him any other way.

In consequence of these insinuations, it was that same day rumoured
about the Fleet, that Mr. Pickle was an unhappy gentleman disordered in
his understanding, and that the lieutenant was his near relation, who
had subjected himself to the inconvenience of living i