Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/50

 where every dispute was referred to my decision; and at length, contracted an intimacy with a young lady, who made a conquest of my heart, and prevailed on her to give me a promise of marriage: but one morning calling on her, and taking the privilege of a bridegroom to enter her chamber, I found to my utter confusion, a man in bed with her! Heaven gave me patience and presence of mind to withdraw; and I thanked my stars for the happy discovery, by which I resolved to profit.

While thus I enjoyed myself, Mr. Lavement let his first floor to my countryman and acquaintance, 'Squire Gawky, who by this time had got a lieutenancy in the army; but whether he had actually forgot me, or was willing to make me believe so, I know not; but coming home late one night from the house of a patient, I perceived two gentlemen in custody of three watchmen.—The prisoners complained bitterly of the loss of their hats and wigs; and one of them, whom by his tongue I knew to be a Scotchman, lamented piteously, offering a guinea for his liberty. My prejudice in favour of my native country was so strong, that with one blow of my cudgel, I knocked down the watchman who had hold of the person chiefly concerned. As soon as he found himself disengaged he betook himself to his heels; but I came off scurvily, for before I could avail