 he needed not be uneasy on that score,
for I would give him a direction to a merchant in the city, with whom I would
leave a discharge for the sum, to be delivered upon payment. - He professed much
joy at this expedient, and with great eagerness asked the person's name and
place of abode, which he forthwith wrote in his pocket-book, assuring me, that
he would not be long in my debt. - This affair, which I knew he would never
after think of, being settled to his satisfaction, I sent cards to all my
friends, desiring the favour of their company at a tavern in the evening, when
they honoured my invitation, and I had the pleasure of treating them in a very
elegant manner, at which they expressed as much admiration as applause. Having
enjoyed ourselves till midnight, I took my leave of them all, being well-nigh
stifled with caresses; and next day I set out with Strap in a post-chaise for
Gravesend, where we went on board, and the wind serving, weighed anchor in less
than twelve hours. - Without meeting with any accident, we got as far as the
Downs, where we were obliged to come to an anchor, and wait for an easterly wind
to carry us out of the Channel.
 

                                  Chapter LXV

I set out for Sussex - consult Mrs. Sagely - atchieve an interview with Narcissa
- return to the ship - we get clear of the Channel - I learn our destination -
we are chaced by a large ship - the company are dismayed, and encouraged by the
captain's speech - our pursuer happens to be an English man of war - we arrive
on the coast of Guinea, purchase 400 negroes, sail for Paraguay, get safe into
the river of Plate, and sell our cargo to great advantage
 
It was now I put in execution the scheme I had projected at London; and asking
leave of the captain, for Strap and me to stay on shore till the wind should
become favourable, my request was granted, because he had orders to remain in
the Downs until he should receive some dispatches from London, which he did not
expect in less than a week. - Having imparted my resolution to my trusty valet,
who (tho' he endeavour'd to dissuade me from such a rash undertaking) would not
quit me in the enterprize, I hired horses, and set out immediately for that part
of Sussex where my charmer was confined, which was not above thirty miles
distant from Deal where we mounted: - As I was perfectly well acquainted with
