to Bridewell as an impostor; let those answer for my
conduct whose cruelty and insolence have driven me to the necessity of
using such subterfuges. I have been oppressed and persecuted by the
government for speaking truth; your omnipotent laws have reconciled
contradictions. That which is acknowledged to be truth in fact, is
construed falsehood in law; and great reason we have to boast of a
constitution founded on the basis of absurdity. But, waiving these
remarks, I own I am unwilling to be either imprisoned for debt, or
punished for imposture. I know how far to depend upon generosity, and
what is called benevolence--words to amuse the weak-minded; I build upon
a surer bottom. I will bargain for your assistance. It is in my power
to put twelve thousand pounds in the pocket of Samuel Crowe, that there
sea-ruffian, who, by his goodwill, would hang me to the yard's arm"----

There he was interrupted by the seaman. "D--n your rat's eyes! none of
your--hang thee! fish my top-masts! if the rope was fairly reeved, and
the tackle sound, d'ye see"--Mr. Clarke, who was present, began to stare,
while the knight assured Ferret, that if he was really able and willing
to serve Captain Crowe in anything essential, he should be amply
rewarded. In the meantime he discharged the debt, and assigned him an
apartment in his own house. That same day Crowe, by the advice of Sir
Launcelot and his nephew, entered into conditional articles with the
cynic, to allow him the interest of fifteen hundred pounds for life,
provided by this means the captain should obtain possession of the estate
of Hobby Hole in Yorkshire, which had belonged to his grandfather, and of
which he was heir of blood.

This bond being executed, Mr. Ferret discovered that he himself was the
lawful husband of Bridget Maple, aunt to Samuel Crowe, by a clandestine
marriage; which, however, he convinced them he could prove by undeniable
evidence. This being the case, she, the said Bridget Maple, alias
Ferret, was a covert femme, consequently could not transact any deed of
alienation without his concurrence; ergo, the docking of the entail of
the estate of Hobby Hole was illegal and of none effect. This was a very
agreeable declaration to the whole company, who did not fail to
congratulate Captain Crowe on the prospect of his being restored to his
inheritance. Tom Clarke, in particular, protested, with tears in his
eyes, that it gave him unspeakable joy; and his tears