, which, however, he pretended he could not do till he
had consulted the letter again; to save him the trouble, I told him
my name was Random. Upon which he went on, "Ay, ay, Random, Random,
Random--I think I remember the name:" and very well he might, for
this very individual, Mr. Cringer, had many a time rode before my
grandfather's cloak-bag, in quality of a footman. "Well," says he, "you
propose to go on board a man-of-war as surgeon's mate." I replied by a
low bow. "I believe it will be a difficult matter," continued he, "to
procure a warrant, there being already such a swarm of Scotch surgeons
at the Navy Office, in expectation of the next vacancy, that the
commissioners are afraid of being torn to pieces, and have actually
applied for a guard to protect them. However, some ships will soon be
put in commission, and then we shall see what's to be done." So saying,
he left me, exceedingly mortified at the different reception Mr.
Gawky and I had met with from this upstart, proud, mean member, who, I
imagined, would have been glad of an opportunity to be grateful for the
obligations he owed to my family.

At my return, I was surprised with the agreeable news of Strap's being
employed, on the recommendation of his friend, the schoolmaster, by a
periwig-maker in the neighbourhood, who allowed him five shillings per
week besides bed and board. I continued to dance attendance every other
morning at the levee of Mr. Cringer, during a fortnight; in which time I
became acquainted with a young fellow of my own country and profession,
who also depended on the member's interest, but was treated with much
more respect than I, both by the servants and master, and often admitted
into a parlour, where there was a fire for the convenience of the better
sort of those who waited for him. Thither I was never permitted
to penetrate, on account of my appearance, which was not at all
fashionable; but was obliged to stand blowing my fingers in a cold
lobby, and take the first opportunity of Mr. Cringer's going to the door
to speak with him.

One day, while I enjoyed this occasion a person was introduced, whom Mr.
Cringer no sooner saw, than, running towards him, he saluted him with a
low bow to the very ground, and afterwards shaking him by the hand with
great heartiness and familiarity, called him his good friend, and asked
very kindly after Mrs. Staytape and the young ladies; then, after a
whisper, which continued some minutes, wherein