'clock they
called to pay, and were very much startled to find themselves charged no less
than two pounds eleven and sixpence for the entertainment they had received.
They looked upon this reckoning as unconscionable, and disputed every article
accordingly; but the landlady solemnly protested that the sum would barely
indemnify her, and imputed great part of the charge to the unnecessary number of
geese and chickens which had been slaughtered without her knowledge or consent.
    Pipes, who on certain subjects, thought a little too much at large, proposed
to punish her for her exorbitant demand, by marching off without paying one
farthing; but this advice Peregrine declined with disdain, looking upon such an
expedient as inconsistent with the dignity of the corps which he had the honour
to command; and ordered that the bill should be immediately discharged. This
affair being settled to the satisfaction of all parties concerned, they resumed
their march, and in the evening arrived at a certain market town where they
resolved to fix their quarters until they should hear tidings from the college
which they had left. With this view they chose their residence at the best inn
belonging to the place, and determined to manage the remains of their fortune
with great frugality. But the spirits of some amongst them beginning to flag, in
consequence of the fatigue of their journey, and their own reflection that now
represented the folly of their design, with the uncomfortable circumstances that
must in a few hours attend the consumption of their stock; this prudent scheme
of oeconomy was over-ruled, a huge bowl of punch prepared, and Pipes ordered to
enliven the company with a song. Their cares were in a little time overwhelmed,
and the greatest part of the night was consumed in mirth and jollity; though
next morning they waked in the horrors, and universal despondence took place,
when they learnt that their bank was scarce able to defray the expence of their
bill, which they received next their stomachs, and were obliged to discharge.
    They were now reduced to a dilemma that occasioned another general
consultation, in which they agreed to club their pocket-pieces and silver
buckles for present support, and give notice by letters of their situation to
their respective relations, taking care to ascribe their distress to the ill
usage they had met with at school: on this occasion Peregrine produced the ring
and medal he had received from Mrs. Trunnion, and Pipes not only presented his
own purse, which was pretty well furnished, but even made a proffer of his
silver whistle, with the chain by which it had for many years depended from his
neck. They thanked him for his disinterested attachment
