et
on shore in France, and left to find my way back to England, as I should
think proper, this being punishment sufficient for the bare suspicion of
a crime in itself not capital.

Although this favourable determination gave me great pleasure, the
apprehension of being robbed would not suffer me to be perfectly at
ease. To prevent this calamity, as soon as I was untied, in consequence
of the aforesaid decision, I tore a small hole in one of my stockings,
into which I dropped six guineas, reserving half a piece and some silver
in my pocket, that, finding something, they might not be tempted to make
any further inquiry. This was a very necessary precaution, for, when we
came within sight of the French shore, one of the smugglers told me, I
must pay for my passage. To this declaration I replied, that my passage
was none of my own seeking; therefore they could not expect a reward
from me for transporting me into a strange country by force. "D-me!"
said the outlaw, "none of your palaver; but let me see what money you
have got." So saying, he thrust his hand into my pocket without any
ceremony, and emptied it of the contents; then, casting an eye at my hat
and wig, which captivated his fancy, he took them off, clapping his own
on my head, declared, that a fair exchange was no robbery. I was fain to
put up with this bargain, which was by no means favourable to me; and a
little while after we went all on shore together.

I resolved to take my leave of those desperadoes without much ceremony,
when one of them cautioned me against appearing to their prejudice if
ever I returned to England, unless I had a mind to be murdered; for
which service, he assured me, the gang never wanted agents. I promised
to observe his advice, and departed for the Upper Town, where I inquired
for a cabaret, or public-house, into which I went, with an intention
of taking some refreshment. In the kitchen, five Dutch sailors sat at
breakfast with a large loaf, a firkin of butter, and a keg of brandy,
the bung of which they often applied to their mouths with great
perseverance and satisfaction. At some distance from them I perceived
another person in the same garb, sitting in a pensive solitary manner,
entertaining himself with a whiff of tobacco, from the stump of a pipe
as black as jet. The appearance of distress never failed to attract
my regard and compassion. I approached this forlorn tar with a view to
offer him my assistance, and, notwithstanding t