is Post, when his Friend
ask'd where the Officer of the Guard was? The Soldier reply'd, That he
was at the _Gun_. The Gentleman went directly to the Lieutenant, and
desir'd the Liberty of an Hour or two for _Miles_, then _Tom Lostall_,
to take a Glass of Wine with him: The Lieutenant return'd, That he might
keep him a Week or two, if he pleas'd, and he would excuse him; for
(added he) there is not a more obedient nor better Soldier than _Tom_
was in the whole Regiment; and that he believ'd he was as brave as
obedient. The Gentleman reply'd, That he was very happy to hear so good
a Character of him; and having obtain'd Leave for his Friend, made his
Compliment, and return'd, to take _Miles_ along with him: When he came
to the trusty Centinel, he commanded the Boot to be let down, and
desir'd _Miles_ to come into the Coach, telling him, That the Officer
had given him Leave. Ah! Sir, (return'd _Miles_) altho' he has,
I cannot, nor will quit my Post, 'till I am reliev'd by a Corporal; on
which, without any more Words, the Gentleman once more went to the
Lieutenant, and told him what the Soldier's Answer was. The Officer
smil'd, and reply'd, That he had forgot to send a Corporal with him,
e'er he was got out o' Sight, and begg'd the Gentleman's Pardon that he
had given him a second Trouble. Then immediately calling for a Corporal,
he dispatch'd him with the Gentleman to relieve _Miles_, who then, with
some little Difficulty, was prevail'd on to step into the Coach, which
carry'd 'em into some Tavern or other in _Leadenhall-street_; where,
after a Bottle or two, his Friend told _Miles_, that the Gentleman who
came with him in the Coach, had some Business with him in another Room.
_Miles_ was surpriz'd at that, and look'd earnestly on his Friend's
Companion; and seeing he had no Sword, pull'd off his own, and walk'd
with him into the next Room; where he ask'd the Stranger, What Business
he had with him? To which the other reply'd, That he must take Measure
of him. How! (cry'd _Miles_) take Measure of me? That need not be; for I
can tell how tall I am. I am (continu'd he) six Foot and two Inches
high. I believe as much (said t'other.) But, Sir, I am a Taylor, and
must take Measure of you to make a Suit of Cloaths or two for you; or
half a Dozen, if you please. Pray, good Mr. Taylor (said _Miles_) don't
mock me; for tho' cham a poor Fellow, yet cham no Vool zure. I don't,
indeed, Sir, reply'd t'other. Why, who shall pay for 'em? Y