 in
whose favour a lucky incident has intervened. The fellow who accused him, has
had his own battery turned upon himself. - Two days ago, he was apprehended for
a robbery on the highway, and committed, on the evidence of an accomplice.
Clinker, having moved for a writ of habeas corpus, was brought before the lord
chief justice, who, in consequence of an affidavit of the gentleman who had been
robbed, importing that the said Clinker was not the person who stopped him on
the highway, as well as in consideration of the postillion's character and
present circumstances, was pleased to order, that my servant should be admitted
to bail, and he has been discharged accordingly, to the unspeakable satisfaction
of our whole family, to which he has recommended himself in an extraordinary
manner, not only by his obliging deportment, but by his talents of preaching,
praying, and singing psalms, which he has exercised with such effect, that even
Tabby respects him as a chosen vessel. If there was any thing like affectation
or hypocrisy in this excess of religion, I would not keep him in my service;
but, so far as I can observe, the fellow's character is downright simplicity,
warmed with a kind of enthusiasm, which renders him very susceptible of
gratitude and attachment to his benefactors.
    As he is an excellent horseman, and understands farriery, I have bought a
stout gelding for his use, that he may attend us on the road, and have an eye to
our cattle, in case the coachman should not mind his business. My nephew, who is
to ride his own saddle-horse, has taken, upon trial, a servant just come from
abroad with his former master, sir William Strollop, who vouches for his
honesty. The fellow, whose name is Dutton, seems to be a petit-maître - He has
got a smattering of French, bows, and grins, and shrugs, and takes snuff à la
mode de France, but values himself chiefly upon his skill and dexterity in
hair-dressing. - If I am not much deceived by appearance, he is, in all
respects, the very contrast of Humphry Clinker.
    My sister has made up matters with lady Griskin; though, I must own, I
should not have been sorry to see that connexion entirely destroyed: but Tabby
is not of a disposition to forgive Barton, who, I understand, is gone to his
seat in Berkshire for the summer season. I cannot help suspecting, that in the
treaty of peace, which has been lately ratified betwixt those two females
