 little Animal which had occasioned it, the two Squires
met, and in all Squire-like Greeting, saluted each other.
    The Conversation was entertaining enough, and what we may perhaps relate in
an Appendix, or on some other Occasion; but as it nowise concerns this History,
we cannot prevail on ourselves to give it a Place here. It concluded with a
second Chace, and that with an Invitation to Dinner. This being accepted, was
followed by a hearty Bout of Drinking, which ended in as hearty a Nap on the
Part of Squire Western.
    Our Squire was by no Means a Match either for his Host, or for Parson Supple
, at his Cups that Evening; for which the violent Fatigue of Mind as well as
Body that he had undergone, may very well account, without the least Derogation
from his Honour. He was indeed, according to the vulgar Phrase, whistle-drunk;
for before he had swallowed the third Bottle, he became so entirely overpowered,
that tho' he was not carried off to Bed till long after, the Parson considered
him as absent, and having acquainted the other Squire with all relating to
Sophia, he obtained his Promise of seconding those Arguments which he intended
to urge the next Morning for Mr. Western's Return.
    No sooner therefore had the good Squire shaken off his Evening, and began to
call for his Morning Draught, and to summon his Horses in order to renew his
Pursuit, than Mr. Supple began his Dissuasives, which the Host so strongly
seconded, that they at length prevailed, and Mr. Western agreed to return home;
being principally moved by one Argument, viz. That he knew not which Way to go,
and might probably be riding farther from his Daughter instead of towards her.
He then took Leave of his Brother Sportsman, and expressing great Joy that the
Frost was broken (which might perhaps be no small Motive to his hastening home)
set forwards, or rather backwards, for Somersetshire; but not before he had
first dispatched Part of his Retinue in quest of his Daughter, after whom he
likewise sent a Volley of the most bitter Execrations which he could invent.
 

                                  Chapter III

 The Departure of Jones from Upton, with what past between him and Partridge on
                                   the Road.
 
At length we are once more come to our Heroe; and to say Truth, we have been
obliged to part with him so long, that considering the Condition in which we
left him, I apprehend many of our Readers have concluded we intended to abandon
him for ever; he being at present in that Situation in which prudent
