
unspeakable terror and disorder of the poor shivering patient, who, having
undergone the immersion, ran about like a drowned rat, squeaking for assistance
and revenge. His cries were overheard by the patrole, which, chancing to pass
that way, took him under their protection, and, in consequence of his complaint
and information, went in pursuit of our adventurer and his attendants, who were
soon overtaken and surrounded. Rash and inconsiderate as the young gentleman
was, he did not pretend to stand upon the defensive, against a file of
musketeers, although Pipes had drawn his cutlass at their approach, but
surrendered himself without opposition, and was conveyed to the main guard,
where the commanding officer, engaged by his appearance and address, treated him
with all imaginable respect, and hearing the particulars of his adventure,
assured him, that the prince would consider the whole as a Tour de jeunesse, and
order him to be released without delay.
    Next morning, when this gentleman gave in his report, he made such a
favourable representation of the prisoner, that our hero was on the point of
being discharged; when Hornbeck preferred a complaint, accusing him of a
purposed assassination, and praying that such punishment should be inflicted
upon him, as his highness should think adequate to the nature of the crime. The
prince, perplexed with this petition, in consequence of which he foresaw, that
he must disoblige a British subject, sent for the plaintiff, of whom he had some
knowledge, and in person exhorted him to drop the prosecution, which would only
serve to propagate his own shame. But Hornbeck was too much incensed to listen
to any proposal of that kind, and peremptorily demanded justice against the
prisoner, whom he represented as an obscure adventurer, who had made repeated
attempts upon his honour and his life. Prince Charles told him, that what he had
advised was in the capacity of a friend, but, since he insisted upon his acting
as a magistrate, the affair should be examined, and determined according to the
dictates of justice and truth.
    The petitioner being dismissed with this promise, the defendant was in his
turn brought before the judge, whose prepossession in his favour, was in a great
measure weakened by what his antagonist had said to the prejudice of his birth
and reputation.
 

                                  Chapter LXV

Peregrine is released. Jolter confounded at his mysterious Conduct. A Contest
happens between the Poet and Painter, who are reconciled by the Mediation of
their fellow Travellers
 
Our hero, understanding from some expressions which escaped the prince, that he
was considered in the light of a sharper and assassin, begged that he
