
deed was done; but as the disease of being hen-peck'd was epidemic in the
parish, he durst not express the least hint of his uneasiness to her, but
resolved to take vengeance on the libidinous priest, who, he imagined, had
corrupted the chastity of his spouse.
    The two confederates, in order to be certified that their scheme had taken
effect, as well as to blow up the flame which they had kindled, called for
Tunley, in whose countenance they could easily discern his confusion; and
Peregrine desiring him to sit down and drink a glass with them, began to
interrogate him about his family, and among other things, asked him how long he
had been married to that handsome wife? This question, which was put with an
arch significance of look, alarmed the publican, who began to fear that Pickle
had overheard his dishonour; and this suspicion was not at all removed, when the
lieutenant, with a sly regard, pronounced, »Tunley, wan't you noosed by the
curate?« »Yes, I was,« (replied the landlord, with an eagerness and perplexity
of tone, as if he thought the lieutenant knew, that thereby hangs a tale;) and
Hatchway supported this suspicion, by answering, »Nay, as for that matter, the
curate may be a very sufficient man in his way.« This transition from his wife
to the curate, convinced him that his shame was known to his guests; and in the
transport of his indignation, he pronounced with great emphasis, »A sufficient
man! Odds heart! I believe they are all wolves in sheep's cloathing. I wish to
God I could see the day, master, when there shall not be a priest, an exciseman,
or a custom-house officer in this kingdom. As for that fellow of a curate, if I
do catch him -- It don't signify talking -- But, by the Lord! -- Gentlemen, my
service to you.«
    The associates being satisfied by these abrupt insinuations, that they had
so far succeeded in their aim, waited with impatience two or three days, in
expectation of hearing that Tunley had fallen upon some method of being revenged
for this imaginary wrong; but finding that either his invention was too shallow,
or his inclination too languid to gratify their desire of his own accord, they
determined to bring the affair to such a crisis, that he should not be able to
withstand the opportunity of executing his vengeance. With this view, they one
evening hired a boy to run
