on.

The billet was given in charge to one of the subaltern officers on
duty, who carried it to the inn, and demanded to speak with Mr. Jolter.
Pallet, who happened to be at the door when this messenger arrived,
and heard him inquire for the tutor, ran directly to that gentleman's
apartment, and in manifest disorder, told him that a huge fellow of
a soldier, with a monstrous pair of whiskers, and fur cap as big as a
bushel, was asking for him at the door. The poor governor began to shake
at this intimation, though he was not conscious of having committed
anything that could attract the attention of the state. When the officer
appeared at his chamber door, his confusion increased to such a degree,
that his perception seemed to vanish, and the subaltern repeated the
purport of his errand three times, before he could comprehend his
meaning, or venture to receive the letter which he presented. At length
he summoned all his fortitude, and having perused the epistle, his
terror sank into anxiety. His ingenuous fear immediately suggested, that
Peregrine was confined in a dungeon, for some outrage he had committed.
He ran with great agitation to a trunk, and, taking out a bundle of
papers, followed his conductor, being attended by the painter, to whom
he had hinted his apprehension.

When they passed through the guard, which was under arms, the hearts of
both died within them; and when they came into the presence, there was
such an expression of awful horror on the countenance of Jolter, that
the prince, observing his dismay, was pleased to encourage him with an
assurance that he had nothing to fear. Thus comforted, he recollected
himself so well as to understand his pupil, when he desired him to
produce the ambassador's letters; some of which being open, were
immediately read by his highness, who was personally acquainted with the
writer, and knew several of the noblemen to whom they were addressed.
These recommendations were so warm, and represented the young gentleman
in such an advantageous light, that the prince, convinced of the
injustice his character had suffered by the misrepresentation of
Hornbeck, took our hero by the hand, asked pardon for the doubts he had
entertained of his honour, declared him from that moment at liberty,
ordered his domestics to be enlarged, and offered him his countenance
and protection as long as he should remain in the Austrian Netherlands.
At the same time, he cautioned him against indiscre