want in his confinement,
until something should occur that would point out the expediency of some
other determination. Gauntlet still insisted upon having the honour of
obtaining his liberty, at the expense of taking up his notes to Gleanum,
and exhorted him to purchase a commission with part of the money which
he had retrieved. The lieutenant affirmed, that it was his privilege
to procure the release of his cousin Pickle, because he enjoyed a
very handsome sum by his aunt, which of right belonged to the young
gentleman, to whom he was, moreover, indebted for the use of his
furniture, and for the very house that stood over his head; and that,
although he had already made a will in his favour, he should never be
satisfied, nor easy in his mind, so long as he remained deprived of his
liberty, and wanted any of the conveniences of life.

Cadwallader, who by this time assisted at their councils, and was best
acquainted with the peculiarity and unbending disposition of the youth,
proposed, that, seeing he was so averse to obligations, Mr. Hatchway
should purchase of him the garrison with its appendages, which, at a
moderate price, would sell for more money than would be sufficient to
discharge his debts; that, if the servile subordination of the army
did not suit his inclinations, he might, with his reversion, buy a
comfortable annuity, and retire with him to the country, where he might
live absolutely independent, and entertain himself, as usual, with the
ridiculous characters of mankind.

This plan was to Pickle less disagreeable than any other project which
as yet had been suggested; and the lieutenant declared himself ready to
execute his part of it without delay; but the soldier was mortified at
the thoughts of seeing his assistance unnecessary, and eagerly objected
to the retirement, as a scheme that would blast the fairest promises
of fame and fortune, and bury his youth and talents in solitude and
obscurity. This earnest opposition on the part of Gauntlet hindered
our adventurer from forming any immediate resolution, which was also
retarded by his unwillingness to part with the garrison upon any terms,
because he looked upon it as a part of his inheritance, which he could
not dispose of without committing an insult upon the memory of the
deceased commodore.

CHAPTER CIII.

He is engaged in a very extraordinary Correspondence, which is
interrupted by a very unexpected Event.

While this affair was in