 so glaring, that no body who knew any thing of mankind could have been
imposed upon by his insinuations.
    I leave the reader to judge how I relished this piece of information, which
precipitated me from the most exalted pinnacle of hope to the lowest abyss of
despondence; and well nigh determined me to take Banter's advice, and finish my
chagrin with a halter. - I had no room to suspect the veracity of my friend,
because upon recollection, I found every circumstance of Strutwell's behaviour,
exactly tallying with the character he had described: His hugs, embraces,
squeezes and eager looks, were now no longer a mystery; no more than his defence
of Petronius, and the jealous frown of his valet de chambre, who, it seems, was
at present the favourite pathic of his lord.
 

                                  Chapter LII

I attempt to recover my watch and jewel, but to no purpose -- resolve to revenge
myself on Strutwell by my importunity -- am reduced to my last guinea -- obliged
to inform Strap of my necessity, who is almost distracted with the news -- but
nevertheless obliged to pawn my best sword for present subsistence -- that small
supply being exhausted, I am almost stupified with my misfortunes -- go to the
gaming table, by the advice of Banter, and come off with unexpected success --
Strap's exstacy -- Mrs. Gawkey waits upon me, professes remorse for her perfidy,
and implores my assistance -- I do myself a piece of justice by her means, and
afterwards reconcile her to her father
 
I was so confounded that I could make no reply to Banter, who reproached me with
great indignation, for having thrown away upon rascals, that which, had it been
converted into ready money, would have supported the rank of a gentleman for
some months, and enabled me, at the same time, to oblige my friends. - Stupified
as I was, I could easily divine the source of his concern, but sneaked away in a
solitary manner, without yielding the least answer to his expostulations; and
began to deliberate with myself, in what manner I should attempt to retrieve the
moveables I had so foolishly lost. - I would have thought it no robbery to take
them again by force, could I have done it without any danger of being detected;
but as I could have no such opportunity, I resolved to work by finesse, and go
immediately to the lodgings of Straddle, where I was so fortunate as to find
him. - »My Lord, (said I) I have just now recollected, that
