 distempers, which I acquired from books since I settled here,
and lastly, my age, have made the common people look upon me as something
preternatural, and I am actually at this hour believed to be a witch. The parson
of the parish, whose acquaintance I have not been at much pains to cultivate,
taking umbrage at my supposed disrespect, has contributed not a little towards
the confirmation of this opinion, by dropping certain hints to my prejudice,
among the vulgar, who are also very much scandalized at my entertaining this
poor tabby cat with the collar about her neck, which was a favourite of my
deceased companion.«
    The whole behaviour of this venerable person, was so primitive, innocent,
sensible, and humane, that I contracted a filial respect for her, and begged her
advice with regard to my future conduct, as soon as I was in a condition to act
for myself. - She dissuaded me from a design I had formed of travelling to
London in hopes of retrieving my cloaths and pay, by returning to my ship, which
by this time, I read in a newspaper, was safely arrived in the river Thames:
»Because (said she) you run the hazard of being treated not only as a deserter,
in quitting the sloop, but also as a mutineer in assaulting your commanding
officer, to the malice of whose revenge you will moreover be exposed.« - She
then promised to recommend me as a servant to a single lady of her acquaintance,
who lived in the neighbourhood with her nephew, who was a young fox-hunter of
great fortune, where I might be very happy, provided I could bear with the
disposition and manners of my mistress, which were somewhat whimsical and
particular. - But above all things, she counselled me to conceal my story, the
knowledge of which would effectually poison my entertainment; for it was a maxim
among most people of condition, that no gentleman in distress ought to be
admitted into a family, as a domestick, lest he become proud, lazy, and
insolent. - I was fain to embrace this humble proposal, because my affairs were
desperate; and in a few days was hired by this lady, to serve in quality of her
footman; being represented by my hostess, as a young man, who having been sent
to sea by his relations against his inclinations, was shipwrecked and robbed,
which had encreased his disgust to that way of life so much, that he rather
chose to go to service on shore than enter himself on board of any other ship. -
Before I took possession of
