g at this pretended delicacy, which I commended
highly, telling him he needed not to be uneasy on that score, for I
would give him a direction to a merchant in the city, with whom I would
leave a discharge on the sum, to be delivered upon payment. He professed
much joy at this expedient, and with great eagerness asked the person's
name and place of abode, which he forthwith wrote in his pocket-book,
assuring me, that he should not be long in my debt. This affair, which I
knew he should never after think of, being settled to his satisfaction,
I sent cards to all my friends, desiring the favour of their company at
a tavern in the evening, when they honoured my invitation, and I had
the pleasure of treating them in a very elegant manner, at which they
expressed equal admiration as applause. Having enjoyed ourselves till
midnight, I took my leave of them, and was well nigh stifled with
caresses: next day, I set out with Strap in a postchaise for Gravesend,
where we went on board; and the wind serving, weighed anchor in less
than twelve hours. Without meeting with any accident, we reached the
Downs, where we were obliged to come to an anchor, and wait for an
easterly wind to carry us out of the Channel.

CHAPTER LXV

I set out for Sussex--consult Mrs. Sagely--achieve an Interview with
Narcissa--return to the Ship--we get clear of the Channel--I learn our
Destination--we are chased by a large Ship--the company are dismayed,
and encouraged by the Captain's speech--our pursuer happens to be an
English Man of War--we arrive at the Coast of Guinea, purchase four
hundred Negroes--sail for Paraguay, get safe into the River of Plate,
and sell our Cargo to great Advantage

It was now I put in execution the scheme I had projected at London; and
asking leave of the captain for Strap and me to stay on shore till the
wind should become favourable, my request was granted, because he had
orders to remain in the Downs until he should receive some dispatches
from London, which he did not expect in less than a week. Having
imparted my resolution to my trusty valet, who (though he endeavoured
to dissuade me from such a rash undertaking) would not quit me in the
enterprise, I hired horses, and set out immediately for that part of
Sussex where my charmer was confined, which was not above thirty miles
distant from Deal, where we mounted. As I was perfectly well acquainted
with the extent of the squire's estate and influence, I halted wi