us
metamorphosed, they pursued their way in an easy pace, Mr. Clarke
endeavouring to amuse them with a learned dissertation on the law,
tending to demonstrate that Mr. Sycamore was, by his behaviour on that
day, liable to three different actions, besides a commission of lunacy;
and that Dawdle might be prosecuted for having practised subtle craft to
the annoyance of his uncle, over and above an action for assault and
battery; because, for why? The said Crowe having run away, as might be
easily proved, before any blows were given, the said Dawdle, by pursuing
him even out of the highroad, putting him in fear, and committing battery
on his body, became to all intents and purposes the aggressor; and an
indictment would lie in Banco Regis.

The captain's pride was so shocked at these observations, that he
exclaimed with equal rage and impatience, "You lie, you dog, in Bilcum
Regis--you lie, I say, you lubber, I did not run away; nor was I in fear,
d'ye see. It was my son of a bitch of a horse that would not obey the
helm, d'ye see, whereby I cou'd n't use my metal, d'ye see. As for the
matter of fear, you and fear may kiss my--So don't go and heave your
stink-pots at my character, d'ye see, or--agad I'll trim thee fore and
aft with a--I wool." Tom protested he meant nothing but a little
speculation, and Crowe was appeased.

In the evening they reached the town of Bugden without any farther
adventure, and passed the night in great tranquillity.

Next morning, even after the horses were ordered to be saddled, Mr.
Clarke, without ceremony, entered the apartment of Sir Launcelot, leading
in a female, who proved to be the identical Mrs. Dolly Cowslip. This
young woman, advancing to the knight, cried, "O Sir Launcelot! my dear
leady, my dear leady!"--but was hindered from proceeding by a flood of
tears, which the tender-hearted lawyer mingled with a plentiful shower of
sympathy.

Our adventurer starting at this exclamation, "O heavens!" cried he,
"where is my Aurelia? speak, where did you leave that jewel of my soul?
answer me in a moment--I am all terror and impatience!"

Dolly, having recollected herself, told him that Mr. Darnel had lodged
his niece in the new buildings by May Fair; that, on the second night
after their arrival, a very warm expostulation had passed between Aurelia
and her uncle, who next morning dismissed Dolly, without permitting her
to take leave of her mistress, and that same day moved to another