Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/51

 avail myself of my speed, I received a blow on the eye. that had well nigh depraved me of the use of that organ: however, I made a shift to get home where I was informed of Gawky's being robbed and abused by a company of foot pads. When I inquired into the particulars of this adventure. I believed him to be the person I had released and was confirmed in that upon hearing his voice. My eye being considerably swelled and inflamed, I could not reflect upon my enterprize without cursing my own folly, and resolving to declare the truth of the whole story, in order to be revenged on the cowardly wretch for whom I had suffered.—Accordingly, next day after he had told, in the presence of the family, a thou and lies, I ventured to explain the mystery. Gawky could not answer one word; and the rest of the company started at one another; at length my mistress reprimanded me for my insolent behaviour and threatened to turn me away for my presumption, upon which Gawky observed, I might have mistaken another person for him. Miss applauded the captain's generosity; and I began to imagine their praise was not at all disinterested; for by their espousing the cause of Gawky, the one obliged valuable lodger, and the other acquired a husband, and a juncture when one was absolutely necessary: for the young lady finding the effects of her Rh