the assistance of the exclaimer,
found a fellow on his knees begging his life of Mr. Gauntlet, who stood
over him with a naked hanger in his hand.

Pickle instantly made himself known to his friend, who told him, that
having left his horse at Tunley's, he was, in his way to the garrison,
set upon by three ruffians, one of whom being the very individual person
now in his power, had come behind him, and struck with a bludgeon at
his head, which, however, he missed, and the instrument descended on his
left shoulder; that, upon drawing his hanger, and laying about him
in the dark, the other two fled, leaving their companion, whom he had
disabled, in the lurch.

Peregrine congratulated him on his safety, and having ordered Pipes to
secure the prisoner, conducted Mr. Gauntlet to the garrison, where he
met with a very hearty reception from the commodore, to whom he was
introduced as his nephew's intimate friend; not but that, in all
likelihood, he would have abated somewhat of his hospitality had he
known that he was the brother of Perry's mistress; but her name the
old gentleman had never thought of asking, when he inquired into the
particulars of his godson's amour.

The captive being examined, in presence of Trunnion and all his
adherents, touching the ambuscade, owned that being in the service of
Gam Pickle, he had been prevailed upon, by the solicitations of his
master and the Curate, to accompany them in their expedition, and
undertake the part which he had acted against the stranger, whom he
and his employers mistook for Peregrine. In consideration of this frank
acknowledgment, and a severe wound he had received in his right arm,
they resolved to inflict no other punishment on this malefactor than to
detain him all night in the garrison, and next morning carry him before
a justice of the peace, to whom he repeated all he had said overnight,
and with his own hand subscribed his confession, copies of which
were handed about the neighbourhood, to the unspeakable confusion and
disgrace of the curate and his promising pupil.

Meanwhile Trunnion treated the young soldier with uncommon marks of
respect, being prepossessed in his favour by this adventure, which he
had so gallantly achieved, as well as by the encomiums that Peregrine
bestowed upon his valour and generosity. He liked his countenance, which
was bold and hardy, admired his Herculean limbs, and delighted in asking
questions concerning the service he had seen. T