 government, which, upon
application being made, would not fail of espousing the cause of the injured; he
denied, with great effrontery, that he had the least concern in the matter,
pretended to resent the deportment of Hornbeck, whom he threatened to chastise
for his scandalous suspicion, and expressed his displeasure at the credulity of
Jolter, who seemed to doubt the veracity of his asseveration.
    Notwithstanding this confident behaviour, Jolter could not help entertaining
doubts of his sincerity; and visiting the disconsolate swain, begged he would,
for the honour of his country, as well as for the sake of his own reputation,
discontinue his addresses to the lieutenant de police, and apply to the British
Embassador, who by dint of friendly admonitions, would certainly prevail upon
Mr. Pickle to do him all the justice in his power, if he was really the author
of the injury he had sustained. The governor urged this advice with the
appearance of so much sympathy and concern, promising to co-operate with all his
influence in his behalf, that Hornbeck embraced the proposal, communicated his
purpose to the magistrate, who commended the resolution as the most decent and
desirable expedient he could use, and then waited upon his excellency, who
readily espoused his cause, and sending for the young gentleman that same
evening, read him such a lecture in private, as extorted a confession of the
whole affair; not that he assailed him with sour and supercilious maxims, or
severe rebuke, because he had penetration enough to discern, that Peregrine's
disposition was impregnable to all such attacks; but he first of all rallied him
upon his intriguing genius, then, in an humorous manner, described the
distraction of the poor cuckold, who he owned was justly punished for the
absurdity of his conduct; and lastly, upon the supposition, that it would be no
great effort in Pickle to part with such a conquest, especially after it was for
some time possessed, represented the necessity and expediency of restoring her,
not only out of regard to his own character, and that of his nation, but also
with a view to his ease, which would in a little time be very much invaded by
such an incumbrance, that in all probability would involve him in a thousand
difficulties and disgusts. Besides, he assured him, that he was already, by
order of the lieutenant de police, surrounded with spies, who would watch all
his motions, and immediately discover the retreat in which he had deposited his
prize. These arguments, and the frank familiar manner in which they were
delivered, but above all, the last
