Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/293

 Tom could by no Means divine what had incened Mr. Allworthy: For of Mater Blifil he had not the leat Supicion. However, as his Friendhip was to be tired out by no Diappointments, he now determined to try another Method of preerving the poor Game-keeper from Ruin.

Jones was lately grown very intimate with Mr. Wetern. He had o greatly recommended himelf to that Gentleman, by leaping over five-barred Gates, and by other Acts of Sportmanhip, that the Squire had declared Tom would certainly make a great Man, if he had but ufficient Encouragement. He often wihed he had himelf a Son with uch Parts; and one Day very olemnly aerted at a drinking Bout, that Tom hould hunt a Pack of Hounds for a thouand Pound of his Money with any Huntman in the whole Country.

By uch kind of Talents he had o ingratiated himelf with the Squire, that he was a mot welcome Guet at his Table, and a favourite Companion in his Sport: Every Thing which the Squire held mot dear; to wit, his Guns, Dogs, and Hores, were now as much at the Command of