 be
able to prosecute his labours; closeted the lieutenant next day, and
demonstrated to him the folly and ill consequences of the step he had taken. He
observed, that the world in general would look upon it as the effect of mere
madness; and, if his relations were so disposed, they might make it the
foundation of a statute of lunacy against him; that his absence from the garison
must be a very great detriment to his private affairs; and, lastly, that his
presence in the Fleet would be a very great hindrance to Pickle himself, whose
hope of regaining his liberty altogether depended upon his being detached from
all company and interruption.
    To these remonstrances Jack replied, that, as to the opinion of the world,
it was no more to him than a rotten net-line; and if his relations had a mind to
have his upper works condemned, he did not doubt but he should be able to stand
the survey, without being declared unfit for service; that he had no affairs at
the garison, but such as would keep cold; and with regard to Pickle's being
interrupted by his presence, he gave him his word, that he would never come
alongside of him, except when he should give him the signal for holding
discourse. In conclusion, he signified his resolution to stay where he was, at
all events, without making himself accountable to any person whatsoever.
    Peregrine seeing him determined, desisted from any further importunity;
resolving, however, to tire him out of his plan by reserve and supercilious
neglect; for he could not bear the thought of being so notoriously obliged by
any person upon earth. With this view he quitted the lieutenant, upon some
slight pretence; after having told him, that he could not have the pleasure of
his company at dinner, because he was engaged with a particular club of his
fellow-prisoners.
    Jack was a stranger to the punctilios of behaviour, and therefore did not
take this declaration amiss; but had immediate recourse to the advice of his
counsellor Mr. Pipes, who proposed that he should go to the coffee-house and
kitchen, and give the people to understand that he would pay for all such liquor
and provisions as Mr. Pickle should order to be sent to his own lodging. This
expedient was immediately practised; and, as there was no credit in the place,
Hatchway deposited a sum of money, by way of security, to the cook and the
vintner, intimating, that there was a necessity for taking that method of
befriending his cousin Peregrine, who was subject to strange whims,
