 Time of Night, and from a Man in such a Situation, that he was
light-headed. Now as he had his Wit (to use that Word in its common
Signification) always ready, he bethought himself of making his Advantage of
this Humour in the sick Man. »Sir,« says he, »I believe I can fit you. I have a
most excellent Piece of Stuff by me. It is not indeed Silver-hilted, which, as
you say, doth not become a Soldier; but the Handle is decent enough, and the
Blade one of the best in Europe. - It is a Blade that - a Blade that - In short,
I will fetch it you this Instant, and you shall see it and handle it. - I am
glad to see your Honour so well with all my Heart.«
    Being instantly returned with the Sword, he delivered it to Jones, who took
it and drew it; and then told the Serjeant it would do very well, and bid him
name his Price.
    The Serjeant now began to harangue in Praise of his Goods. He said (nay he
swore very heartily) »that the Blade was taken from a French Officer of very
high Rank, at the Battle of Dettingen. I took it myself,« says he, »from his
Side, after I had knocked him o' the Head. The Hilt was a golden one. That I
sold to one of our fine Gentlemen; for there are some of them, an't please your
Honour, who value the Hilt of a Sword more than the Blade.«
    Here the other stopped him, and begged him to name a Price. The Serjeant,
who thought Jones absolutely out of his Senses, and very near his End, was
afraid, lest he should injure his Family by asking too little. - However, after
a Moment's Hesitation, he contented himself with naming twenty Guineas, and
swore he would not sell it for less to his own Brother.
    »Twenty Guineas!« says Jones, in the utmost Surprize, »sure you think I am
mad, or that I never saw a Sword in my Life. Twenty Guineas indeed! I did not
imagine you would endeavour to impose upon me. - Here, take the Sword - No, now
I think on't, I will keep it myself, and shew it your Officer in the Morning,
acquainting him, at the same Time, what a Price you asked me for it.«
    The Serjeant, as we have said, had always his Wit (
