friend, lamented the
unhappiness of our hero, while he gave Gauntlet to understand that he
had been long disordered in his intellects, in consequence of having
squandered away his fortune; and that his creditors had thrown him into
the Fleet prison; but whether he still continued in that confinement, or
was released from his misfortunes by death, his lordship did not know,
because he had never inquired.

Godfrey no sooner received this intimation, than, his blood boiling with
grief and impatience, he craved pardon for his abrupt departure; then
quitting his informer on the instant, re-embarked in his hackney-coach,
and ordered himself to be conveyed directly to the Fleet. As the vehicle
proceeded along one side of the market, he was surprised with the
appearance of Hatchway and Pipes, who stood cheapening cauliflowers at a
green-stall, their heads being cased in worsted nightcaps, half covered
with their hats, and a short tobacco-pipe in the mouth of each. He was
rejoiced at sight of the two seamen, which he took for a happy omen of
finding his friend, and, ordering the coachman to stop the carriage,
called to the lieutenant by his name. Jack replying with an hilloah,
looking behind him, and recognizing the face of his old acquaintance,
ran up to the coach with great eagerness. Shaking the captain heartily
by the hand, "Odds heart!" said he, "I am glad thou hast fallen in with
us; we shall now be able to find the trim of the vessel, and lay her
about on t'other tack. For my own part, I have had many a consort in my
time, that is, in the way of good fellowship, and I always made a
shift to ware 'em at one time or another. But this headstrong toad will
neither obey the helm nor the sheet; and for aught I know, will founder
where a lies at anchor."

Gauntlet, who conceived part of his meaning, alighted immediately; and
being conducted to the sailor's lodging, was informed of everything
that had passed between the lieutenant and Pickle. He, in his turn,
communicated to Jack the discovery which he had made, with regard to his
commission; at which the other gave no signs of surprise, but, taking
the pipe from his mouth, "Why look ye, captain," said he, "that's not
the only good turn you have owed him. That same money you received from
the commodore as an old debt was all a sham, contrived by Pickle for
your service; but a wool drive under his bare poles without sails and
rigging, or a mess of provision on board, rather than