resolution, though not without giving
evident marks of indignation, and grief at least as genuine as that
which appeared in them at the old gentleman's death. My conductor, after
having kicked with his heel for some time against the wainscot,
began: "So there's no legacy, friend, ha!--here's an old succubus; but
somebody's soul howls for it, d--n me!" The parson of the parish, who
was one of the executors, and had acted as ghostly director to the
old man, no sooner heard this exclamation than he cried out, "Avaunt,
unchristian reviler! avaunt! wilt thou not allow the soul of his honour
to rest in peace?" But this zealous pastor did not find himself so
warmly seconded, as formerly, by the young ladies, who now joined
my uncle against him, and accused him of having acted the part of a
busybody with their grandpapa whose ears he had certainly abused by
false stories to their prejudice, or else he would not have neglected
them in such an unnatural manner. The young squire was much diverted
with this scene, and whispered to my uncle, that if he had not murdered
his dogs, he would have shown him glorious fun, by hunting a black
badger (so he termed the clergyman). The surly lieutenant, who was not
in a humour to relish this amusement, replied, "You and your dogs may be
damn'd. I suppose you'll find them with your old dad, in the latitude of
hell. Come, Rory,--about ship, my lad, we must steer another course, I
think." And away we went.

CHAPTER V

The Schoolmaster uses me barbarously--I form a Project of Revenge, in
which I am assisted by my Uncle--I leave the Village--am settled at a
University by his Generosity

On our way back to the village, my uncle spoke not a word during the
space of a whole hour, but whistled with great vehemence the tune of
"Why should we quarrel for riches," etc. his visage being contracted all
the while into a most formidable frown. At length his pace increased to
such a degree that I was left behind a considerable way: then he waited
for me; and when I was almost up with him, called out in a surly tone,
"Bear a hand, damme! must I bring to every minute for you, you lazy
dog." Then, laying hold of me by the arm, hauled me along, until his
good nature (of which he had a great share) and reflection getting
the better of his he said, "Come, my boy, don't be cast down,--the old
rascal is in hell, that's some satisfaction; you shall go to sea with
me, my lad. A light heart and a thin pair of br