his expedient was in a few weeks followed with a consequence I
did not foresee. A player, having purchased one of the suits that were
exposed to sale, appeared in it on the stage one night, while my tailor
unfortunately happened to be present. He knew it immediately, and,
inquiring minutely into the affair, discovered my whole contrivance:
upon which he came into my lodgings, and telling me that he was very
much straightened for want of money, presented his bill, which amounted
to fifty pounds. Surprised at which unexpected address, I affected to
treat him cavalierly, swore some oaths, asked if he doubted my honour,
and telling him I should take care whom I dealt with for the future,
bade him come again in three days. He obeyed me punctually, demanded his
money, and finding himself amused with bare promises, arrested me that
very day in the street. I was not much shocked at this adventure, which,
indeed, put an end to a state of horrible expectation: but I refused
to go to a sponging-house, where I heard there was nothing but the
most flagrant imposition: and, a coach being called, was carried to the
Marshalsea, attended by a bailiff and his follower, who were very much
disappointed and chagrined at my resolution.

The turnkey, guessing from my appearance that I had money in my pocket,
received me with the repetition of the Latin word depone, and gave me to
understand, that I must pay beforehand for the apartment I should choose
to dwell in. I desired to see his conveniences, and hired a small paltry
bed-chamber for a crown a week, which, in any other place, would not
have let for half the money. Having taken possession of this dismal
habitation, I sent for Strap, and my thoughts were busied in collecting
matter of consolation to that faithful squire, when somebody knocked at
my door, which I no sooner opened, than a young fellow entered in very
shabby clothes and marvellous foul linen. After a low bow, he called
me by name, and asked if I had forgotten him. His voice assisted me
in recollecting his person, whom I soon recognised to be my old
acquaintance, Jackson, of whom mention is made in the first part of my
memoirs. I saluted him cordially, expressed my satisfaction at finding
him alive, and condoled him on his present situation, which, however,
did not seem to affect him much, for he laughed very heartily at the
occasion of our meeting so unexpectedly in this place. Our mutual
compliments being past, I inquired abo