ought it would be perfectly secure from all injury
or accident. Here it remained until he arrived at the inn where he had
formerly lodged, when, after having refreshed himself with a draught of
beer, he pulled off his stocking, and found the poor billet sullied
with dust, and torn in a thousand tatters by the motion of his foot
in walking the last two miles of his journey. Thunderstruck at
this phenomenon, he uttered it loud whew! which was succeeded by an
exclamation of "D-- my old shoes! a bite by G--!" then he rested his
elbows on the table, and his forehead upon his two fists, and in that
attitude deliberated with himself upon the means of remedying this
misfortune.

As he was not distracted by a vast number of ideas he soon concluded
that his best expedient would be to employ the clerk of the parish, who
he knew was a great scholar, to write another epistle according to
the directions he should give him; and never dreaming that the mangled
original would in the least facilitate this scheme, he very wisely
committed it to the flames, that it might never rise up in judgment
against him.

Having taken this wise step, he went in quest of the scribe, to whom
he communicated his business, and promised a full pot by way of
gratification. The clerk, who was also schoolmaster, proud of an
opportunity to distinguish his talents, readily undertook the task; and
repairing with his employer to the inn, in less than a quarter of an
hour produced a morsel of eloquence so much to the satisfaction of
Pipes, that he squeezed his hand by way of acknowledgment, and doubled
his allowance of beer. This being discussed, our courier betook himself
to the house of Mrs. Gauntlet with the haunch of venison and this
succedaneous letter, and delivered his message to the mother, who
received it with great respect, and many kind inquiries about the health
and welfare of his master, attempting to tip the messenger a crown,
which he absolutely refused to accept, in consequence of Mr. Pickle's
repeated caution. While the old gentlewoman turned to a servant in order
to give directions about the disposal of the present, Pipes looked upon
this as a favourable occasion to transact his business with Emilia, and
therefore shutting one eye, with a jerk of his thumb towards his left
shoulder, and a most significant twist of his countenance he beckoned
the young lady into another room as if he had been fraught with
something of consequence, which he wante