Page:Brief relation of the adventures of Bamfylde Moore Carew (2).pdf/9

 9 long examination he made him believe he was an honest miller, whose house, mill and substance had been consumed by fire, occasioned by the negligence of the apprentice; and accordingly, got a bountiful sum for his relief, the justice not in the least sus- pecting a defraud. He had such wonderful facility in every character he assumed that he even deceived those who thought themselves so well acquainted with him, that it was impossible for him to impose on them. Coming one day to 'Squire Portman's house at Blandford, in the character of a rat-catcher, with a hair cap on his head, a buff girdle about his waist, a little box by his side, and a tame rat in his hand, he goes boldly up to the house, where he had been well known before, and meeting the 'squire, Parson Bryant, and one Mr. Pleydell, of Milbourn, and some other gentlemen, he asked them if they had any rats to kill. “Do you understand the business well?" says the 'squire. “Yes, an please your honour," replied Carew, "I have been a rat-catcher for many years, and have been employed in his Majesty's yards and ships.” “Well," says the 'squire, " go in and get some victuals, and after dinner we will try your abilities.” He was accord- ingly called into the parlour, where were a large company of gentlemen and ladies. " Well, honest rat-catcher," says the squire, “can you lay any scheme to kill the rats without hurting my dogs ?" “Yes, yes," cries Carew, “I can lay it where even the rats cannot climb to reach it." What coun- tryman are you?”—“A Devonshireman, an please your honour." “What is your name?” Here our hero began to perceive that he was discovered, by the smilings and whisperings of several gentlemen, and he very composedly answered.--"My name is