they thought no more of the
armour, but ran home arm in arm, and appeared in the kitchen with all the
marks of horror and consternation.

When Sir Launcelot came forth wrapped in his cloak, and demanded his
arms, Crabshaw declared that the devil had them in possession; and this
assertion was confirmed by the ostler, who pretended to know the devil by
his roar. Ferret sat in his corner, maintaining the most mortifying
silence, and enjoying the impatience of the knight, who in vain requested
an explanation of this mystery. At length his eyes began to lighten,
when, seizing Crabshaw in one hand, and the ostler in the other, he swore
by Heaven he would dash their souls out, and raze the house to the
foundation, if they did not instantly disclose the particulars of this
transaction. The good woman fell on her knees, protesting, in the name
of the Lord, that she was innocent as the child unborn, thof she had lent
the captain a Prayer-Book to learn the Lord's Prayer, a candle and
lantern to light him to the church, and a couple of clean sheets, for the
use of the other gentlemen. The knight was more and more puzzled by this
declaration; when Mr. Clarke, coming into the kitchen, presented himself
with a low obeisance to his old patron.

Sir Launcelot's anger was immediately converted into surprise. He set at
liberty the squire and the ostler, and stretching out his hand to the
lawyer, "My good friend Clarke," said he, "how came you hither? Can you
solve this knotty point which has involved us all in such confusion?"

Tom forthwith began a very circumstantial recapitulation of what had
happened to his uncle; in what manner he had been disappointed of the
estate; how he had accidentally seen his honour, been enamoured of his
character, and become ambitious of following his example. Then he
related the particulars of the plan which had been laid down to divert
him from his design, and concluded with assuring the knight, that the
captain was a very honest man, though he seemed to be a little disordered
in his intellects. "I believe it," replied Sir Launcelot; "madness and
honesty are not incompatible--indeed, I feel it by experience."

Tom proceeded to ask pardon, in his uncle's name, for having made so free
with the knight's armour; and begged his honour, for the love of God,
would use his authority with Crowe, that he might quit all thoughts of
knight-errantry, for which he was by no means qualified; for, being
totally