ection, called at four o'clock
in the morning, when he found the post-chaise, coach, and riding-horses
ready at the gate, his friends Gauntlet and Hatchway on foot, the
commodore himself almost dressed, and every servant in the garrison
assembled in he yard to wish him a good journey. Our hero shook each
of these humble friends by the hand, tipping them at the same time
with marks of his bounty; and was very much surprised when he could not
perceive his old attendant Pipes among the number. When he expressed his
wonder at this disrespectful omission of Tom, some of those present ran
to his chamber, in order to give him a call; but his hammock and room
were both deserted, and they soon returned with an account of his having
eloped. Peregrine was disturbed at this information, believing that
the fellow had taken some desperate course, in consequence of his being
dismissed from his service, and began to wish that he had indulged his
inclination, by retaining him still about his person. However, as
there was now no other remedy, he recommended him strenuously to the
particular favour and distinction of his uncle and Hatchway, in case he
should appear again; and as he went out of the gate, was saluted with
three cheers by all the domestics in the family.

The commodore, Gauntlet, lieutenant, Peregrine, and Jolter went into the
coach together, that they might enjoy each other's conversation as
much as possible, resolving to breakfast at an inn upon the road, where
Trunnion and Hatchway intended to bid our adventurer farewell; the
Valet-de-chambre got into the post-chaise; the French lacquey rode one
horse, and led another; one of the valets of the garrison mounted at the
back of the coach; and thus the cavalcade set out on the road to Dover.

As the commodore could not bear the fatigue of jolting, they travelled
at an easy pace during the fist stage; so that the old gentleman had an
opportunity of communicating his exhortations to his godson, with
regard to his conduct abroad: he advised him, now that he was going
into foreign parts, to be upon his guard against the fair weather of the
French politesse, which was no more to be trusted than a whirlpool at
sea. He observed that many young men had gone to Paris with good cargoes
of sense, and returned with a great deal of canvas, and no ballast
at all, whereby they became crank all the days of their lives, and
sometimes carried their keels above water. He desired Mr. Jolter to k