Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/69

 Jack Rattlin, I took my leave. Having presented my new warrant to the captain of the Lizard, I inquired for the doctor, whom I no sooner saw, than I recollected him to one of those young fellows with whom I had been commited to the round-house. He recommended me to an exceeding good mess composed of the gunner and the master's mate. I got leave to go ashore next day with the gunner. who recommended me to a Jew that bought my ticket, at the rate of 40 per cent discount, and having furnished myself with what accessories I wanted, returned on board in the evening.

In less than a week we sailed on a cruize, and having got round the east end of the island, had the good fortune to take a Spanish Barcolongo with her prize, which was an English ship bound to Bristol; and as there was nothing to do on board, I went ashore; and having purchased a laced waistcoat, with some other clothes, at venture, made a swaggering figure for some days among the taverns, where I ventured to play a little at hazard, and brought off 20 pistoles in my pocket. Meanwhile our captain was promoted to a ship of twenty guns and the command of the Lizard given to a man of fourscore, who had been a lieutenant since the reign of King William.

Soon after these alteration, the admiral pitched upon our ship to carry home patches