nforming him of the lowness of my circumstances, and asking a small
supply of money, to answer my present expense; upon which he pulled out
a handful of halfpence with a shilling or two among them, and swore that
was all he had to keep his pocket till next quarter-day he having lost
the greatest part of his allowance the night before at billiards. Though
this assertion might very well be true, I was extremely mortified at his
indifference: for he neither expressed any sympathy for my mishap nor
desire of alleviating my distress; and accordingly I left him without
uttering one word: but, when I afterwards understood that he was the
person who had formerly betrayed me to the malice of my cousins, to
whom likewise he had carried the tidings of my forlorn situation, which
afforded them great matter of triumph and exultation, I determined with
myself to call him to a severe account for which purpose I borrowed a
sword, and wrote a challenge, desiring him to meet me at a certain time
and place, that I might have an opportunity of punishing his perfidy,
at the expense of his blood. He accepted the invitation, and I betook
myself to the field, though not without feeling considerable repugnance
to the combat, which frequently attacked me in cold sweats by the
way; but the desire of revenge, the shame of retracting, and hope of
conquest, conspired to repel these unmanly symptoms of fear; and I
appeared on the plain with a good grace: there I waited an hour beyond
the time appointed, and was not ill pleased to find he had no mind to
meet me, because I should have an opportunity of exposing his cowardice,
displaying my own courage, and of beating him soundly wheresoever I
should find, without any dread of the consequence.

Elevated with these suggestions, which entirely banished all thoughts
of my deplorable condition, I went directly to Gawky's lodgings, where
I was informed of his precipitate retreat, he having set out for the
country in less than an hour after he had received my billet; and I was
vain enough to have the whole story inserted in the news, although I was
fain to sell a gold laced hat to my landlord for less than half-price,
to defray the expenses and contribute to my subsistence.

CHAPTER VII

I am entertained by Mr. Crab--a description of him--I acquire the Art
of Surgery--consult Crab's Disposition--become necessary to him--an
Accident happens--he advises me to launch out into the world--assists me
with M