
had not been his countryman, he would have caused him to be imprisoned for his
insolence. - I ventured to disapprove of my uncle's rashness, and appeased the
old gentleman, by assuring him, there was no offence intended by my kinsman, who
by this time, sensible of his error, shook the injured party by the hand, and
asked pardon for the freedom he had taken. - Matters being amicably compromised,
he invited us to come and see him in the afternoon at the convent to which he
belonged, and took his leave for the present; when my uncle recommended it
strongly to me to persevere in the religion of my forefathers, whatever
advantages I might propose to my self by a change, which could not fail of
disgracing myself, and dishonouring my family. - I assured him no consideration
should induce me to forfeit his friendship and good opinion, on that score; at
which he discovered great satisfaction, and put me in mind of dinner, which we
immediately bespoke, and when it was ready eat together.
    I imagined my acquaintance with the Scottish Priest, if properly managed,
might turn out to my advantage, and therefore resolved to cultivate it as much
as I could. With this view we visited him at his convent, according to his
invitation, where he treated us with wine and sweet-meats, and shewed us every
thing that was remarkable in the monastery. - Having been thus entertained, we
took our leave, though not before I had promised to see him next day; and the
time fixed for my uncle's embarking being come, I accompanied him to the
harbour, and saw him on board. - We parted not without tears, after we had
embraced and wished one another all manner of prosperity; and he intreated me to
write to him often, directing to lieutenant Thomas Bowling, at the sign of the
Union flag, near the Hermitage, London.
    I returned to the house in which we had met, where I passed the night in a
very solitary manner, reflecting on the severity of my fate, and endeavouring to
project some likely scheme of life for the future; but my invention failed me, I
saw nothing but unsurmountable difficulties in my way, and was ready to despair
at the miserable prospect! That I might not, however, neglect any probable
means, I got up in the morning, and went directly to the father, whose advice
and assistance I implored. - He received me very kindly, and gave me to
understand, that there was one way of life in which a person of my talents could
