tity
of a name annoyed me beyond measure. Think you, did ever "Mr.
Simpkin" salute at Fontenoy, or make a leg at Marly? I doubt it.
Nor is it strange that a man, with no more vanity than myself,
should find some little vexation at the perversity of Lady Jane in
fastening this ridicule upon me. That it was intentional I could
not doubt from her letter, for she rallied me upon it at every turn
she could drag in. However, I had the consolation that I was to
join her forthwith at Harwich, and my journey across the country
over bad roads with a pair of wretched nags gave me more material
discomforts to rail at, and by these means I brought myself to a
frame of mind that I could at least imagine Lady Jane's enjoyment
of her childish jest.

When I reached Newmarket, I found, to my disgust, it was impossible
to go forward again that night, but was on the road bright and
early the next morning; however, it was evening before I was set
down at a decent-looking inn beside an arm of the sea, across which
I saw the spires of Harwich twinkling a welcome to me in the setting
sun.

Having settled with the post-boys, I desired the land-lord to attend
me within.

"I see you have boats there, which is fortunate, for I wish to be
set across the water at once," I said, on his entry.

"That is impossible, your honour; it is too late."

"Nonsense, my man. There is for a bottle of your best, and enough
to make up to you my not remaining overnight. I must set off at
once!"

"But, your honour, it can't be done. No boat is allowed to cross
after sunset. The frigate lying there is for no other purpose than
to prevent it. 'Tis on account of the smuggling."

"Don't talk such rank nonsense to me, sir. Do I look like a smuggler?"

"No, your honour, you do not, so far as I can judge."

"Then come, my man, I must be put across."

"Oh, sir, 'tis of no use; I should be a ruined man," cried the
poor-spirited creature, almost snivelling.

Seeing this, I tried him on a new tack. "You scoundrel!" said I,
laying my hand on my sword and advancing towards him threateningly,
"if you fail to have me on my way before half an hour is over, I'll
pink the soul out of you."

"Oh Lord, sir, have a care what you do!" he shrieked in terror,
and before I could intercept him he had thrown open the door into
the adjoining room, where three officers sat at their wine before
the fire.

"Captain Galway! Your honour! I am undone for upholding the law!
Save me