ThomasBillingswasinhabitingthesamecounty，notcaredforbyeitherofthem；butordainedbyFatetojointhemoneday，andhaveamightyinfluenceuponthefortunesofboth。For，asithasoftenhappenedtothetravellerintheYorkortheExetercoachtofallsnuglyasleepinhiscorner，andonawakingsuddenlytofindhimselfsixtyorseventymilesfromtheplacewhereSomnusfirstvisitedhim：as，wesay，althoughyousitstill，Time，poorwretch，keepsperpetuallyrunningon，andsomustrundayandnight，withneverapauseorahaltoffiveminutestogetadrink，untilhisdyingday；
　　letthereaderimaginethatsinceheleftMrs。Hayesandalltheotherworthypersonagesofthishistory，inthelastchapter，sevenyearshavespedaway；duringwhich，allourheroesandheroineshavebeenaccomplishingtheirdestinies。
　　Sevenyearsofcountrycarpentering，orrathertrading，onthepartofahusband，ofceaselessscolding，violence，anddiscontentonthepartofawife，arenotpleasanttodescribe：soweshallomitaltogetheranyaccountoftheearlymarriedlifeofMr。andMrs。
　　JohnHayes。The"NewgateCalendar"（towhichexcellentcompilationweandtheOTHERpopularnovelistsofthedaycanneverbesufficientlygrateful）statesthatHayeslefthishousethreeorfourtimesduringthisperiod，and，urgedbytherestlesshumoursofhiswife，triedseveralprofessions：returning，however，ashegrewwearyofeach，tohiswifeandhispaternalhome。Afteracertaintimehisparentsdied，andbytheirdemisehesucceededtoasmallproperty，andthecarpenteringbusiness，whichheforsometimefollowed。
　　What，then，inthemeanwhile，hadbecomeofCaptainWood，orBrock，andEnsignMacshane？——theonlypersonsnowtobeaccountedforinourcatalogue。ForaboutsixmonthsaftertheircaptureandreleaseofMr。Hayes，thosenoblegentlemenhadfollowed，withmuchprudenceandsuccess，thattradewhichthecelebratedandpoliteDuval，theingeniousSheppard，thedauntlessTurpin，andindeedmanyotherheroesofourmostpopularnovels，hadpursued，——orwerepursuing，intheirtime。AndsoconsiderableweresaidtobeCaptainWood’sgains，thatreportswereabroadofhishavingsomewhereaburiedtreasure；towhichhemighthaveaddedmore，hadnotFatesuddenlycutshorthiscareerasaprig。HeandtheEnsignwere——shametosay——transportedforstealingthreepewter—potsoffarailingatExeter；andnotbeingknowninthetown，whichtheyhadonlyreachedthatmorning，theyweredetainedbynofurthercharges，butsimplycondemnedonthisone。Forthismisdemeanour，HerMajesty’sGovernmentvindictivelysentthemforsevenyearsbeyondthesea；
　　and，asthefashionthenwas，soldtheuseoftheirbodiestoVirginianplantersduringthatspaceoftime。Itisthus，alas！
　　thatthestrongarealwaysusedtodealwiththeweak，andmanyanhonestfellowhasbeenledtoruehisunfortunatedifferencewiththelaw。
　　Thus，then，wehavesettledallscores。TheCountisinHollandwithhiswife；Mrs。CatinWarwickshirealongwithherexcellenthusband；MasterThomasBillingswithhisadoptiveparentsinthesamecounty；andthetwomilitarygentlemenwatchingtheprogressandcultivationofthetobaccoandcottonplantintheNewWorld。
　　Allthesethingshavingpassedbetweentheacts，dingaring—a—dingaring—a—dingledingleding，thedropdrawsup，andthenextactbegins。Bytheway，theplayENDSwithadrop：butthatisneitherherenorthere。
　　***
　　（Here，asinatheatre，theorchestraissupposedtoplaysomethingmelodious。Thepeoplegetup，shakethemselves，yawn，andsettledownintheirseatsagain。"Porter，ale，ginger—beer，cider，"comesround，squeezingthroughthelegsofthegentlemeninthepit。
　　Nobodytakesanything，asusual；andlo！thecurtainrisesagain。
　　"Sh，’shsh，’shshshhh！Hatsoff！"sayseverybody。）
　　***
　　Mrs。HayeshadnowbeenforsixyearstheadoredwifeofMr。Hayes，andnooffspringhadarisentoblesstheirlovesandperpetuatetheirname。Shehadobtainedacompletemasteryoverherlordandmaster；andhavinghad，asfaraswasinthatgentleman’spower，everysinglewishgratifiedthatshecoulddemand，inthewayofdress，treatstoCoventryandBirmingham，drink，andwhatnot——for，thoughahardman，JohnHayeshadlearnedtospendhismoneyprettyfreelyonhimselfandher——havinghadallherwishesgratified，itwasnaturalthatsheshouldbegintofindoutsomemore；andthenextwhimshehituponwastoberestoredtoherchild。Itmaybeaswelltostatethatshehadneverinformedherhusbandoftheexistenceofthatphenomenon，althoughhewasawareofhiswife’sformerconnectionwiththeCount，——Mrs。Hayes，intheirmatrimonialquarrels，invariablytauntinghimwithaccountsofherformersplendourandhappiness，andwithhisownmeannessoftasteincondescendingtotakeupwithhisExcellency’sleavings。
　　Shedetermined，then（butasyethadnotconfidedherdeterminationtoherhusband），shewouldhaveherboy；althoughinhersevenyears’residencewithintwentymilesofhimshehadneveroncethoughtofseeinghim：andthekindreaderknowsthatwhenhisexcellentladydeterminesonathing——ashawl，oranopera—box，oranewcarriage，ortwenty—foursinging—lessonsfromTamburini，oranightatthe"EagleTavern，"CityRoad，orarideina’bustoRichmondandteaandbrandy—and—waterat"RoseCottageHotel"——thereader，highorlow，knowsthatwhenMrs。Readerdesiresathinghaveitshewill；youmayjustaswelltalkofavoidingherasofavoidinggout，bills，orgreyhairs——andthat，youknow，isimpossible。I，formypart，havehadallthree——ay，andawifetoo。
　　Isaythatwhenawomanisresolvedonathing，happenitwill；ifhusbandsrefuse，Fatewillinterfere（flecteresinequeo，etc。；butquotationsareodious）。AndsomehiddenpowerwasworkinginthecaseofMrs。Hayes，and，foritsownawfulpurposes，lendingheritsaid。
　　Whohasnotfelthowheworks——thedreadfulconqueringSpiritofIll？Whocannotsee，inthecircleofhisownsociety，thefatedandforedoomedtowoeandevil？Somecallthedoctrineofdestinyadarkcreed；but，forme，Iwouldfaintryandthinkitaconsolatoryone。Itisbetter，withallone’ssinsuponone’shead，todeemoneselfinthehandsofFate，thantothink——withourfiercepassionsandweakrepentances；withourresolvessoloud，sovain，soludicrously，despicablyweakandfrail；withourdim，wavering，wretchedconceitsaboutvirtue，andourirresistiblepropensitytowrong，——thatwearetheworkersofourfuturesorroworhappiness。
　　Ifwedependonourstrength，whatisitagainstmightycircumstance？Ifwelooktoourselves，whathopehavewe？Lookbackatthewholeofyourlife，andseehowFatehasmasteredyouandit。Thinkofyourdisappointmentsandyoursuccesses。HasYOUR
　　strivinginfluencedoneortheother？Afitofindigestionputsitselfbetweenyouandhonoursandreputation；anappleplopsonyournoseandmakesyouaworld’swonderandglory；afitofpovertymakesarascalofyou，whowere，andarestill，anhonestman；
　　clubs，trumps，orsixluckymainsatdice，makeanhonestmanforlifeofyou，whoeverwere，willbe，andarearascal。Whosendstheillness？whocausestheappletofall？whodeprivesyouofyourworldlygoods？orwhoshufflesthecards，andbringstrumps，honour，virtue，andprosperitybackagain？Youcallitchance；ay，andsoitischancethatwhenthefloorgivesway，andtheropestretchestight，thepoorwretchbeforeSt。Sepulchre’sclockdies。Onlywithus，clear—sightedmortalsasweare，wecan’tSEEtheropebywhichwehang，andknownotwhenorhowthedropmayfall。
　　Butrevenonsanosmoutons：letusreturntothatsweetlambMasterThomas，andthemilk—whiteeweMrs。Cat。Sevenyearshadpassedaway，andshebegantothinkthatsheshouldverymuchliketoseeherchildoncemore。Itwaswrittenthatsheshould；andyoushallhearhow，soonafter，withoutanygreatexertionsofhers，backhecametoher。
　　InthemonthofJuly，intheyear1715，therecamedownaroadabouttenmilesfromthecityofWorcester，twogentlemen；notmounted，Templar—like，upononehorse，buthavingahorsebetweenthem——asorrybay，withasorrysaddle，andalargepackbehindit；onwhicheachbyturntookaride。Ofthetwo，onewasamanofexcessivestature，withredhair，averyprominentnose，andafadedmilitarydress；whiletheother，anoldweather—beaten，sober—lookingpersonage，worethecostumeofacivilian——bothmananddressappearingtohavereachedtheautumnal，orseedystate。However，thepairseemed，inspiteoftheirapparentpoverty，tobepassablymerry。Theoldgentlemanrodethehorse；andhad，inthecourseoftheirjourney，riddenhimtwomilesatleastineverythree。Thetallonewalkedwithimmensestridesbyhisside；andseemed，indeed，asifhecouldhavequicklyoutstrippedthefour—footedanimal，hadhechosentoexerthisspeed，orhadnotaffectionforhiscomraderetainedhimathisstirrup。
　　Ashorttimepreviouslythehorsehadcastashoe；andthisthetallmanonfoothadgatheredup，andwasholdinginhishand：ithavingbeenvotedthatthefirstblacksmithtowhoseshoptheyshouldcomeshouldbecalledupontofititagainuponthebayhorse。
　　"Doyouremimberthiscounthry，Meejor？"saidthetallman，whowaslookingabouthimverymuchpleased，andsuckingaflower。"Ithinkthimgreencornfieldsisprettierlookingatthanthed—————tobackyoutyondther，andbadlacktoit！"
　　"Irecollecttheplacerightwell，andsomequeerpranksweplayedheresevenyearsagone，"respondedthegentlemanaddressedasMajor。
　　"Yourememberthatmanandhiswife，whomwetookinpawnatthe’ThreeRooks’？"
　　"AndthelandladyonlyhunglastMichaelmas？"saidthetallman，parenthetically。
　　"Hangthelandlady！——we’vegotallweeverwouldoutofHER，youknow。Butaboutthemanandwoman。Youwentafterthechap’smother，and，likeajackass，asyouare，lethimloose。Well，thewomanwasthatCatherinethatyou’veoftenheardmetalkabout。I
　　likethewench，————her，forIalmostbroughtherup；andshewasforayearortwoalongwiththatscoundrelGalgenstein，whohasbeenthecauseofmyruin。"
　　"Theinferrnalblackguardandruffian！"saidthetallman；who，withhiscompanion，hasnodoubtbeenrecognisedbythereader。
　　"Well，thisCatherinehadachildbyGalgenstein；andsomewhereherehardbythewomanlivedtowhomwecarriedthebrattonurse。Shewasthewifeofablacksmith，oneBillings：itwon’tbeoutofthewaytogetourhorseshodathishouse，ifheisalivestill，andwemaylearnsomethingaboutthelittlebeast。Ishouldbegladtoseethemotherwellenough。"
　　"DoIremimberher？"saidtheEnsign。"DoIremimberwhisky？SureIdo，andthesnivellingsneakherhusband，andthestoutoldladyhermother—in—law，andthedirtyone—eyedruffianwhosoldmetheparson’shatthathadsonearlybroughtmeintotrouble。Ohbutitwasararerisewegotoutofthemchaps，andtheoldlandladythat’shangedtoo！"AndherebothEnsignMacshaneandMajorBrock，orWood，grinned，andshowedmuchsatisfaction。
　　Itwillbenecessarytoexplainthereasonofit。WegavetheBritishpublictounderstandthatthelandladyofthe"ThreeRooks，"
　　atWorcester，wasanotoriousfence，orbankerofthieves；thatis，apurchaseroftheirmerchandise。InherhandsMr。Brockandhiscompanionhadleftpropertytotheamountofsixtyorseventypounds，whichwassecretedinacunningrecessinachamberofthe"ThreeRooks"knownonlytothelandladyandthegentlemenwhobankedwithher；andinthisplace，Mr。Sicklop，theone—eyedmanwhohadjoinedintheHayesadventure，hiscomrade，andoneortwoofthetoppingprigsofthecounty，werefree。Mr。SicklophadbeenshotdeadinanightattacknearBath：thelandladyhadbeensuddenlyhanged，asanaccompliceinanothercaseofrobbery；andwhen，ontheirreturnfromVirginia，ourtwoheroes，whosehopesoflivelihooddependeduponit，hadbenttheirstepstowardsWorcester，theywerenotalittlefrightenedtohearofthecruelfateofthehostessandmanyoftheamiablefrequentersofthe"ThreeRooks。"
　　Allthegoodlycompanywereseparated；thehousewasnolongeraninn。Wasthemoneygonetoo？Atleastitwasworthwhiletolook——
　　whichMessrs。BrockandMacshanedeterminedtodo。
　　Thehousebeingnowaprivateone，Mr。Brock，withageniusthatwasabovehisstation，visiteditsowner，withahugeportfoliounderhisarm，and，inthecharacterofapainter，requestedpermissiontotakeaparticularsketchfromaparticularwindow。TheEnsignfollowedwiththeartist’smaterials（consistingsimplyofascrewdriverandacrowbar）；anditishardlynecessarytosaythat，whenadmissionwasgrantedtothem，theyopenedthewell—knowndoor，andtotheirinexpressiblesatisfactiondiscovered，nottheirownpeculiarsavingsexactly，forthesehadbeenappropriatedinstantly，onhearingoftheirtransportation，butstoresofmoneyandgoodstotheamountofnearthreehundredpounds：towhichMr。Macshanesaidtheyhadasjustandhonourablearightasanybodyelse。Andsotheyhadasjustarightasanybody——excepttheoriginalowners：
　　butwhowastodiscoverthem？
　　Withthisbootytheysetoutontheirjourney——anywhere，fortheyknewnotwhither；anditsochancedthatwhentheirhorse’sshoecameoff，theywerewithinafewfurlongsofthecottageofMr。
　　Billings，theblacksmith。Astheycamenear，theyweresalutedbytremendousroarsissuingfromthesmithy。Asmallboywasheldacrossthebellows，twoorthreechildrenofsmallerandlargergrowthwereholdinghimdown，andmanyothersofthevillageweregazinginatthewindow，whileaman，half—naked，waslashingthelittleboywithawhip，andoccasioningthecriesheardbythetravellers。Asthehorsedrewup，theoperatorlookedatthenew—
　　comersforamoment，andthenproceededincontinentlywithhiswork；
　　belabouringthechildmorefiercelythanever。
　　Whenhehaddone，heturnedroundtothenew—comersandaskedhowhecouldservethem？whereuponMr。Wood（forsuchwasthenameheadopted，andbysuchweshallcallhimtotheend）wittilyremarkedthathoweverhemightwishtoserveTHEM，heseemedmightilyinclinedtoservethatyounggentlemanfirst。
　　"It’snojokingmatter，"saidtheblacksmith："ifIdon’tservehimsonow，he’llbeworseoffinhisoldage。He’llcometothegallows，assureashisnameisBill———nevermindwhathisnameis。"
　　Andsosaying，hegavetheurchinanothercut；whichelicited，ofcourse，anotherscream。
　　"Oh！hisnameisBill？"saidCaptainWood。
　　"Hisname’sNOTBill！"saidtheblacksmith，sulkily。"He’snoname；
　　andnoheart，neither。Mywifetookthebratin，sevenyearsago，fromabeggarlyFrenchchaptonurse，andshekepthim，forshewasagoodsoul"（herehiseyesbegantowink），"andshe’s——she’sgonenow"（herehebeganfairlytoblubber）。"Andd———him，outofloveforher，Ikepthimtoo，andthescoundrelisaliarandathief。
　　Thisblessedday，merelytovexmeandmyboyshere，hespokeillofher，hedid，andI’ll——cut——his——life——out——I——will！"andwitheachwordhonestMulciberappliedawhackonthebodyoflittleTomBillings；who，byshrillshrieks，andoathsintreble，acknowledgedthereceiptoftheblows。
　　"Come，come，"saidMr。Wood，"settheboydown，andthebellowsa—going；myhorsewantsshoeing，andthepoorladhashadstrappingenough。"
　　Theblacksmithobeyed，andcastpoorMasterThomasloose。Ashestaggeredawayandlookedbackathistormentor，hiscountenanceassumedanexpressionwhichmadeMr。Woodsay，graspingholdofMacshane’sarm，"It’stheboy，it’stheboy！WhenhismothergaveGalgensteinthelaudanum，shehadtheself—samelookwithher！"
　　"Hadshereallynow？"saidMr。Macshane。"Andpree，Meejor，whoWAS
　　hismother？"
　　"Mrs。Cat，youfool！"answeredWood。
　　"Then，uponmysecredwordofhonour，shehasamightyfineKITTEN
　　anyhow，mydear。Aha！"
　　"Theydon’tDROWNsuchkittens，"saidMr。Wood，archly；andMacshane，takingtheallusion，clappedhisfingertohisnoseintokenofperfectapprobationofhiscommander’ssentiment。
　　Whiletheblacksmithwasshoeingthehorse，Mr。Woodaskedhimmanyquestionsconcerningtheladwhomhehadjustbeenchastising，andsucceeded，beyondadoubt，inestablishinghisidentitywiththechildwhomCatherineHallhadbroughtintotheworldsevenyearssince。Billingstoldhimofallthevirtuesofhiswife，andthemanifoldcrimesofthelad：howhestole，andfought，andlied，andswore；andthoughtheyoungestunderhisroof，exercisedthemostbanefulinfluenceoveralltherestofhisfamily。Hewasdeterminedatlast，hesaid，toputhimtotheparish，forhedidnotdaretokeephim。
　　"He’safinewhelp，andwouldfetchtenpiecesinVirginny，"sighedtheEnsign。
　　"Crimp，ofBristol，wouldgivefiveforhim，"saidMr。Wood，ruminating。
　　"Whynottakehim？"saidtheEnsign。
　　"Faith，whynot？"saidMr。Wood。"Hiskeep，meanwhile，willnotbesixpenceaday。"Thenturningroundtotheblacksmith，"Mr。
　　Billings，"saidhe，"youwillbesurprised，perhaps，tohearthatI
　　knoweverythingregardingthatpoorlad’shistory。Hismotherwasanunfortunateladyofhighfamily，nownomore；hisfatheraGermannobleman，CountdeGalgensteinbyname。"
　　"Theveryman！"saidBillings："ayoung，fair—hairedman，whocameherewiththechild，andadragoonsergeant。"
　　"CountdeGalgensteinbyname，who，onthepointofdeath，recommendedtheinfanttome。"
　　"Anddidhepayyousevenyears’boarding？"saidMr。Billings，whowasquitealiveattheveryidea。
　　"Alas，sir，notajot！Hedied，sir，sixhundredpoundsinmydebt；
　　didn’the，Ensign？"
　　"Sixhundred，uponmysecredhonour！Irememberwhenhegotintothehousealongwiththepoli——"
　　"Psha！whatmattersit？"herebrokeoutMr。Wood，lookingfiercelyattheEnsign。"Sixhundredpoundsheowesme：howwashetopayyou？Buthetoldmetotakechargeofthisboy，ifIfoundhim；andfoundhimIhave，andWILLtakechargeofhim，ifyouwillhandhimover。"
　　"SendourTom！"criedBillings。Andwhenthatyouthappeared，scowling，andyettrembling，andprepared，asitseemed，foranothercastigation，hisfather，tohissurprise，askedhimifhewaswillingtogoalongwiththosegentlemen，orwhetherhewouldbeagoodladandstaywithhim。
　　Mr。Tomrepliedimmediately，"Iwon’tbeagoodlad，andI’drathergoto————thanstaywithyou！"
　　"Willyouleaveyourbrothersandsisters？"saidBillings，lookingverydismal。
　　"Hangmybrothersandsisters——Ihate’em；and，besides，Ihaven’tgotany！"
　　"Butyouhadagoodmother，hadn’tyou，Tom？"
　　Tompausedforamoment。
　　"Mother’sgone，"saidhe，"andyouflogme，andI’llgowiththesemen。"
　　"Well，then，gothyways，"saidBillings，startingupinapassion：
　　"gothywaysforagracelessreprobate；andifthisgentlemanwilltakeyou，hemaydoso。"
　　Aftersomefurtherparley，theconversationended，andthenextmorningMr。Wood’spartyconsistedofthree：alittleboybeingmounteduponthebayhorse，inadditiontotheEnsignorhimself；
　　andthewholecompanywentjourneyingtowardsBristol。
　　***
　　WehavesaidthatMrs。Hayeshad，onasudden，takenafitofmaternalaffection，andwasbentuponbeingrestoredtoherchild；
　　andthatbenigndestinywhichwatchedoverthelifeofthisluckyladyinstantlysetaboutgratifyingherwish，and，withoutcosttoherselfofcoach—hireorsaddle—horse，senttheyounggentlemanveryquicklytoherarms。ThevillageinwhichtheHayesesdweltwasbutaveryfewmilesoutoftheroadfromBristol；whither，onthebenevolentmissionabove，hintedat，ourpartyofworthieswerebound：andcoming，towardstheafternoon，insightofthehouseofthatveryJusticeBallancewhohadbeensonearlytheruinofEnsignMacshane，thatofficernarrated，forthehundredthtime，andwithmuchglee，thecircumstanceswhichhadthenbefallenhim，andthemannerinwhichMrs。Hayestheelderhadcomeforwardtohisrescue。
　　"Supposewegoandseetheoldgirl？"suggestedMr。Wood。"Noharmcancometousnow。"Andhiscomradealwaysassenting，theywoundtheirwaytowardsthevillage，andreacheditastheeveningcameon。Inthepublic—housewheretheyrested，WoodmadeinquiriesconcerningtheHayesfamily；wasinformedofthedeathoftheoldcouple，oftheestablishmentofJohnHayesandhiswifeintheirplace，andofthekindoflifethattheselatterledtogether。Whenallthesepointshadbeenimpartedtohim，heruminatedmuch：anexpressionofsublimetriumphandexultationatlengthlighteduphisfeatures。"Ithink，Tim，"saidheatlast，"thatwecanmakemorethanfivepiecesofthatboy。"
　　"Oh，incoorse！"saidTimothyMacshane，Esquire；whoalwaysagreedwithhis"Meejor。"
　　"Incoorse，youfool！andhow？I’lltellyouhow。ThisHayesiswelltodointheworld，and——"
　　"Andwe’llnabhimagain——ha，ha！"roaredoutMacshane。"Bymysecredhonour，Meejor，thereneverwasaginerallikeyouatastrathyjam！"
　　"Peace，youbellowingdonkey，anddon’twakethechild。Themaniswelltodo，hiswiferuleshim，andtheyhavenochildren。Now，eithershewillbeverygladtohavetheboybackagain，andpayforthefindingofhim，orelseshehassaidnothingabouthim，andwillpayusforbeingsilenttoo：or，atanyrate，Hayeshimselfwillbeashamedatfindinghiswifethemotherofachildayearolderthanhismarriage，andwillpayforthekeepingofthebrataway。
　　There’sprofit，mydear，inanyoneofthecases，ormyname’snotPeterBrock。"
　　WhentheEnsignunderstoodthiswondrousargument，hewouldfainhavefallenonhiskneesandworshippedhisfriendandguide。Theybeganoperations，almostimmediately，byanattackonMrs。Hayes。
　　Onhearing，asshedidinprivateinterviewwiththeex—corporalthenextmorning，thathersonwasfound，shewasagitatedbybothofthepassionswhichWoodattributedtoher。Shelongedtohavetheboyback，andwouldgiveanyreasonablesumtoseehim；butshedreadedexposure，andwouldpayequallytoavoidthat。Howcouldshegaintheonepointandescapetheother？
　　Mrs。Hayeshituponanexpedientwhich，Iamgiventounderstand，isnotuncommonnowadays。Shesuddenlydiscoveredthatshehadadearbrother，whohadbeenobligedtoflythecountryinconsequenceofhavingjoinedthePretender，andhaddiedinFrance，leavingbehindhimanonlyson。Thisboyherbrotherhad，withhislastbreath，recommendedtoherprotection，andhadconfidedhimtothechargeofabrotherofficerwhowasnowinthecountry，andwouldspeedilymakehisappearance；and，toputthestorybeyondadoubt，Mr。Woodwrotetheletterfromherbrotherstatingalltheseparticulars，andEnsignMacshanereceivedfullinstructionshowtoperformthepartofthe"brotherofficer。"WhatconsiderationMr。Woodreceivedforhisservices，wecannotsay；onlyitiswellknownthatMr。Hayescausedtobecommittedtogaolayoungapprenticeinhisservice，chargedwithhavingbrokenopenacupboardinwhichMr。Hayeshadfortyguineasingoldandsilver，andtowhichnonebutheandhiswifehadaccess。
　　Havingmadethesearrangements，theCorporalandhislittlepartydecampedtoashortdistance，andMrs。Catherinewaslefttoprepareherhusbandforaspeedyadditiontohisfamily，intheshapeofthisdarlingnephew。JohnHayesreceivedthenewswithanythingbutpleasure。HehadneverheardofanybrotherofCatherine’s；shehadbeenbredattheworkhouse，andnobodyeverhintedthatshehadrelatives：butitiseasyforaladyofmoderategeniustoinventcircumstances；andwithlies，tears，threats，coaxings，oaths，andotherblandishments，shecompelledhimtosubmit。
　　Twodaysafterwards，asMr。Hayeswasworkinginhisshopwithhisladyseatedbesidehim，thetramplingofahorsewasheardinhiscourtyard，andagentleman，ofhugestature，descendedfromit，andstrodeintotheshop。Hisfigurewaswrappedinalargecloak；butMr。Hayescouldnothelpfancyingthathehadsomewhereseenhisfacebefore。
　　"This，Ipreshoom，"saidthegentleman，"isMistherHayes，thatI
　　havecomesomanymilestosee，andthisishisamiablelady？Iwasthemostintimatefrind，madam，ofyourlamintedbrother，whodiedinKingLewis’sservice，andwhoselasttouchingletthersI
　　despatchedtoyoutwodaysago。Ihavewithmeafurtherprecioustokenofmydearfriend，CaptainHall——itisHERE。"
　　Andsosaying，themilitarygentleman，withonearm，removedhiscloak，andstretchingforwardtheotherintoHayes’sfacealmost，stretchedlikewiseforwardalittleboy，grinningandsprawlingintheair，andpreventedonlyfromfallingtothegroundbytheholdwhichtheEnsignkeptofthewaistbandofhislittlecoatandbreeches。
　　"Isn’theaprettyboy？"saidMrs。Hayes，sidlinguptoherhusbandtenderly，andpressingoneofMr。Hayes’shands。
　　***
　　Aboutthelad’sbeautyitisneedlesstosaywhatthecarpenterthought；butthatnight，andformanymanynightsafter，theladstayedatMr。Hayes’s。
　　CHAPTERVIII。ENUMERATESTHEACCOMPLISHMENTSOFMASTERTHOMAS
　　BILLINGS——INTRODUCESBROCKASDOCTORWOOD——ANDANNOUNCESTHE
　　EXECUTIONOFENSIGNMACSHANE。
　　Weareobliged，inrecordingthishistory，tofollowaccuratelythatgreatauthority，the"CalendariumNewgaticumRoagorumqueRegisterium，"ofwhicheveryloverofliterature，inthepresentdayknowsthevalue；andasthatremarkableworktotallydiscardsalltheunitiesinitsnarratives，andreckonsthelifeofitsheroesonlybytheiractions，andnotbyperiodsoftime，wemustfollowinthewakeofthismightyark——ahumblecock—boat。Whenitpauses，wepause；whenitrunstenknotsanhour，werunwiththesamecelerity；andas，inordertocarrythereaderfromthepenultimatechapterofthisworkuntothelastchapter，wewerecompelledtomakehimleapoveragapofsevenblankyears，tenyearsmoremustlikewisebegrantedtousbeforeweareatlibertytoresumeourhistory。
　　Duringthatperiod，MasterThomasBillingshadbeenundertheespecialcareofhismother；and，asmaybeimagined，heratherincreasedthandiminishedtheaccomplishmentsforwhichhehadbeenremarkablewhileundertheroofofhisfoster—father。Andwiththisadvantage，thatwhileattheblacksmith’s，andonlythreeorfouryearsofage，hisvirtueswerenecessarilyappreciatedonlyinhisfamilycircleandamongthosefewacquaintancesofhisowntimeoflifewhomayouthofthreecanbeexpectedtomeetinthealleysorovertheguttersofasmallcountryhamlet，——inhismothersresidence，hiscircleextendedwithhisowngrowth，andhebegantogiveproofsofthosepowersofwhichininfancytherehadbeenonlyencouragingindications。Thusitwasnowiseremarkablethatachildoffouryearsshouldnotknowhisletters，andshouldhavehadagreatdisinclinationtolearnthem；butwhenayoungmanoffifteenshowedthesamecreditableignorance，thesameundeviatingdislike，itwaseasytoseethathepossessedmuchresolutionandperseverance。Whenitwasremarked，too，that，incaseofanydifference，henotonlybeattheusher，butbynomeansdisdainedtotormentandbullytheverysmallestboysoftheschool，itwaseasytoseethathismindwascomprehensiveandcareful，aswellascourageousandgrasping。AsitwassaidoftheDukeofWellington，inthePeninsula，thathehadathoughtforeverybody——fromLordHilltothesmallestdrummerinthearmy——inlikemannerTomBillingsbestowedHISattentiononhighandlow；butintheshapeofblows：hewouldfightthestrongestandkickthesmallest，andwasalwaysatworkwithoneortheother。Atthirteen，whenhewasremovedfromtheestablishmentwhitherhehadbeensent，hewasthecockoftheschooloutofdoors，andtheverylastboyin。Heusedtoletthelittleboysandnew—comerspasshimby，andlaugh；buthealwaysbelabouredthemunmercifullyafterwards；andthenitwas，hesaid，HISturntolaugh。Withsuchapugnaciousturn，TomBillingsoughttohavebeenmadeasoldier，andmighthavediedamarshal；
　　but，byanunluckyordinanceoffate，hewasmadeatailor，anddieda——nevermindwhatforthepresent；sufficeittosay，thathewassuddenlycutoff，ataveryearlyperiodofhisexistence，byadiseasewhichhasexercisedconsiderableravagesamongtheBritishyouth。
　　Byconsultingtheauthorityabovementioned，wefindthatHayesdidnotconfinehimselftotheprofessionofacarpenter，orremainlongestablishedinthecountry；butwasinduced，bytheeagerspiritofMrs。Catherinemostprobably，totryhisfortuneinthemetropolis；
　　wherehelived，flourished，anddied。OxfordRoad，SaintGiles’s，andTottenhamCourtwere，atvariousperiodsofhisresidenceintown，inhabitedbyhim。Atoneplacehecarriedonthebusinessofgreengrocerandsmall—coalman；inanother，hewascarpenter，undertaker，andlenderofmoneytothepoor；finally，hewasalodging—housekeeperintheOxfordorTyburnRoad；butcontinuedtoexercisethelast—namedcharitableprofession。
　　Lendingashediduponpledges，andcarryingonaprettylargetrade，itwasnotforhim，ofcourse，toinquireintothepedigreeofallthepiecesofplate，thebalesofcloth，swords，watches，wigs，shoe—buckles，etc。thatwereconfidedbyhisfriendstohiskeeping；butitisclearthathisfriendshadtherequisiteconfidenceinhim，andthatheenjoyedtheesteemofaclassofcharacterswhostillliveinhistory，andareadmireduntothisveryday。Themindlovestothinkthat，perhaps，inMr。Hayes’sbackparlourthegallantTurpinmighthavehob—and—nobbedwithMrs。
　　Catherine；thathere，perhaps，thenobleSheppardmighthavecrackedhisjoke，orquaffedhispintofrum。WhoknowsbutthatMacheathandPaulCliffordmayhavecrossedlegsunderHayes’sdinner—table？
　　Butwhypausetospeculateonthingsthatmighthavebeen？whydesertrealityforfondimagination，orcallupfromtheirhonouredgravesthesacreddead？Iknownot：andyet，insooth，IcanneverpassCumberlandGatewithoutasigh，asIthinkofthegallantcavalierswhotraversedthatroadinoldtime。Piouspriestsaccompaniedtheirtriumphs；theirchariotsweresurroundedbyhostsofglitteringjavelin—men。AstheslaveatthecaroftheRomanconquerorshouted，"Rememberthouartmortal！"，beforetheeyesoftheBritishwarriorrodetheundertakerandhiscoffin，tellinghimthathetoomustdie！Markwellthespot！AhundredyearsagoAlbionStreet（wherecomicPowerdwelt，Milesia’sdarlingson）—
　　—AlbionStreetwasadesert。ThesquareofConnaughtwaswithoutitspenultimate，and，strictlyspeaking，NAUGHT。TheEdgwareRoadwasthenaroad，’tistrue；withtinklingwaggonspassingnowandthen，andfragrantwallsofsnowyhawthornblossoms。TheploughmanwhistledoverNutfordPlace；downthegreensolitudesofSovereignStreetthemerrymilkmaidledthelowingkine。Here，then，inthemidstofgreenfieldsandsweetair——beforeeveromnibuseswere，andwhenPineappleTurnpikeandTerracewerealikeunknown——herestoodTyburn：andontheroadtowardsit，perhapstoenjoytheprospect，stood，intheyear1725，thehabitationofMr。JohnHayes。
　　Onefinemorningintheyear1725，Mrs。Hayes，whohadbeenabroadinherbesthatandriding—hood；Mr。Hayes，whoforawonderhadaccompaniedher；andMrs。Springatt，alodger，whoforaremunerationhadthehonourofsharingMrs。Hayes’sfriendshipandtable：allreturned，smilingandrosy，atabouthalf—pastteno’clock，fromawalkwhichtheyhadtakentoBayswater。ManythousandsofpeoplewerelikewiseseenflockingdowntheOxfordRoad；andyouwouldratherhavethought，fromthesmartnessoftheirappearanceandthepleasuredepictedintheircountenances，thattheywerejustissuingfromasermon，thanquittingtheceremonywhichtheyhadbeentoattend。
　　Thefactis，thattheyhadjustbeentoseeagentlemanhanged，——acheappleasure，whichtheHayesfamilyneverdeniedthemselves；andtheyreturnedhomewithagoodappetitetobreakfast，bracedbythewalk，andtickledintohunger，asitwere，bythespectacle。Icanrecollect，whenIwasagypatCambridge，thatthe"men"usedtohavebreakfast—partiesfortheverysamepurpose；andtheexhibitionofthemorningactedinfalliblyuponthestomach，andcausedtheyoungstudentstoeatwithmuchvoracity。
　　Well，Mrs。Catherine，ahandsome，well—dressed，plump，rosywomanofthreeorfourandthirty（andwhen，mydear，isawomanhandsomerthanatthatage？），cameinquitemerrilyfromherwalk，andenteredtheback—parlour，whichlookedintoapleasantyard，orgarden，whereonthesunwasshiningverygaily；andwhere，atatablecoveredwithanicewhitecloth，laidoutwithsomesilvermugs，too，andknives，allwithdifferentcrestsandpatterns，satanoldgentlemanreadinginanoldbook。
　　"Hereweareatlast，Doctor，"saidMrs。Hayes，"andhere’shisspeech。"Sheproducedthelittlehalfpennytract，whichtothisdayissoldatthegallows—footuponthedeathofeveryoffender。"I’veseenamanymenturnedoff，tobesure；butIneverdidseeonewhoboreitmorelikeamanthanhedid。"
　　"Mydear，"saidthegentlemanaddressedasDoctor，"hewasascoolandasbraveassteel，andnomoremindedhangingthantooth—drawing。"
　　"Itwasthedrinkthatruinedhim，"saidMrs。Cat。
　　"Drink，andbadcompany。Iwarnedhim，mydear，——Iwarnedhimyearsago：anddirectlyhegotintoWild’sgang，Iknewthathehadnotayeartorun。Ah，why，mylove，willmencontinuesuchdangerouscourses，"continuedtheDoctor，withasigh，"andjeopardytheirlivesforamiserablewatchorasnuff—box，ofwhichMr。Wildtakesthree—fourthsoftheproduce？Butherecomesthebreakfast；and，egad，Iamashungryasaladoftwenty。"
　　Indeed，atthismomentMrs。Hayes’sservantappearedwithasmokingdishofbaconandgreens；andMr。Hayeshimselfascendedfromthecellar（ofwhichhekeptthekey），bearingwithhimatolerablylargejugofsmall—beer。TothisrepasttheDoctor，Mrs。Springatt（theotherlodger），andMr。andMrs。Hayes，proceededwithgreatalacrity。Afifthcoverwaslaid，butnotused；thecompanyremarkingthat"TomhadverylikelyfoundsomeacquaintancesatTyburn，withwhomhemightchoosetopassthemorning。"
　　TomwasMasterThomasBillings，nowoftheageofsixteen：slim，smart，fivefeetteninchesinheight，handsome，sallowincomplexion，black—eyedandblack—haired。Mr。Billingswasapprenticetoatailor，oftolerablepractice，whowastotakehimintopartnershipattheendofhisterm。Itwassupposed，andwithreason，thatTomwouldnotfailtomakeafortuneinthisbusiness；
　　ofwhichthepresentheadwasoneBeinkleider，aGerman。
　　Beinkleiderwasskilfulinhistrade（afterthemannerofhisnation，whichinbreechesandmetaphysics——ininexpressiblesandincomprehensibles——mayinstructallEurope），buttoofondofhispleasure。SomepromissorynotesofhishadfoundtheirwayintoHayes’shands，andhadgivenhimthemeansnotonlyofprovidingMasterBillingswithacheapapprenticeship，andacheappartnershipafterwards；butwouldempowerhim，inoneortwoyearsaftertheyoungpartnerhadjoinedthefirm，toejecttheoldonealtogether。
　　Sothattherewaseveryprospectthat，whenMr。Billingswastwenty—oneyearsofage，poorBeinkleiderwouldhavetoact，notashismaster，buthisjourneyman。
　　Tomwasaveryprecociousyouth；wassuppliedbyadotingmotherwithplentyofpocket—money，andspentitwithanumberoflivelycompanionsofbothsexes，atplays，bull—baitings，fairs，jollypartiesontheriver，andsuch—likeinnocentamusements。Hecouldthrowamain，too，aswellashiselders；hadpinkedhisman，inarowatMadamKing’sinthePiazza；andwasmuchrespectedattheRoundhouse。
　　Mr。Hayeswasnotveryfondofthispromisingyounggentleman；
　　indeed，hehadthebasenesstobearmalice，because，inaquarrelwhichoccurredabouttwoyearspreviously，he，Hayes，beingdesiroustochastiseMr。Billings，hadfoundhimselfnotonlyquiteincompetent，butactuallyatthemercyoftheboy；whostruckhimovertheheadwithajoint—stool，felledhimtotheground，andsworehewouldhavehislife。TheDoctor，whowasthenalsoalodgeratMr。Hayes’s，interposed，andrestoredthecombatants，nottofriendship，buttopeace。Hayesneverafterwardsattemptedtolifthishandtotheyoungman，butcontentedhimselfwithhatinghimprofoundly。InthissentimentMr。Billingsparticipatedcordially；and，quiteunlikeMr。Hayes，whoneverdaredtoshowhisdislike，usedoneveryoccasionwhentheymet，byactions，looks，words，sneers，andcurses，tolethisstepfatherknowtheopinionwhichhehadofhim。WhydidnotHayesdiscardtheboyaltogether？
　　Because，ifhedidso，hewasreallyafraidofhislife，andbecausehetrembledbeforeMrs。Hayes，hislady，astheleaftremblesbeforethetempestinOctober。Hisbreathwasnothisown，buthers；hismoney，too，hadbeenchieflyofhergetting，——forthoughhewasasstingyandmeanasmortalmancanbe，andsolikelytosavemuch，hehadnotthegeniusforGETTINGwhichMrs。Hayespossessed。Shekepthisbooks（forshehadlearnedtoreadandwritebythistime），shemadehisbargains，andshedirectedtheoperationsofthepoor—spiritedlittlecapitalist。Whenbillsbecamedue，anddebtorspressedfortime，thenshebroughtHayes’sownprofessionalmeritsintoplay。Themanwasasdeafandcoldasarock；neverdidpoortradesmengainapennyfromhim；neverwerethebailiffsdelayedonesingleminutefromtheirprey。TheBeinkleiderbusiness，forinstance，showedprettywellthegeniusofthetwo。Hayeswasforclosingwithhimatonce；buthiswifesawthevastprofitswhichmightbedrawnoutofhim，andarrangedtheapprenticeshipandthepartnershipbeforealludedto。Thewomanheartilyscornedandspituponherhusband，whofawneduponherlikeaspaniel。Shelovedgoodcheer；shedidnotwantforacertainkindofgenerosity。TheonlyfeelingthatHayeshadforanyoneexcepthimselfwasforhiswife，whomheheldinacowardlyaweandattachment：helikeddrink，too，whichmadehimchirpingandmerry，andacceptedwillinglyanytreatsthathisacquaintancesmightofferhim；buthewouldsufferagonieswhenhiswifebroughtororderedfromthecellarabottleofwine。
　　AndnowfortheDoctor。Hewasaboutseventyyearsofage。Hehadbeenmuchabroad；hewasofasober，cheerfulaspect；hedressedhandsomelyandquietlyinabroadhatandcassock；butsawnocompanyexceptthefewfriendswhomhemetatthecoffee—house。Hehadanincomeofaboutonehundredpounds，whichhepromisedtoleavetoyoungBillings。Hewasamusedwiththelad，andfondofhismother，andhadboardedwiththemforsomeyearspast。TheDoctor，infact，wasouroldfriendCorporalBrock，theReverendDoctorWoodnow，ashehadbeenMajorWoodfifteenyearsback。
　　AnyonewhohasreadtheformerpartofthishistorymusthaveseenthatwehavespokenthroughoutwithinvariablerespectofMr。Brock；
　　andthatineverycircumstanceinwhichhehasappeared，hehasactednotonlywithprudence，butoftenwithgenius。TheearlyobstacletoMr。Brock’ssuccesswaswantofconductsimply。Drink，women，play——howmanyabravefellowhavetheyruined！——hadpulledBrockdownasoftenashismerithadcarriedhimup。Whenaman’spassionforplayhasbroughthimtobeascoundrel，itatonceceasestobehurtfultohiminaworldlypointofview；hecheats，andwins。Itisonlyfortheidleandluxuriousthatwomenretaintheirfascinationstoaverylateperiod；andBrock’spassionshadbeenwhippedoutofhiminVirginia；wheremuchill—health，ill—treatment，hardlabour，andhardfood，speedilyputanendtothem。Heforgotthereevenhowtodrink；rumorwinemadethispoordeclininggentlemansoillthathecouldindulgeinthemnolonger；
　　andsohisthreeviceswerecured。
　　Hadhebeenambitious，thereislittledoubtbutthatMr。Brock，onhisreturnfromtransportation，mighthaverisenintheworld；buthewasoldandaphilosopher：hedidnotcareaboutrising。Livingwascheaperinthosedays，andinterestformoneyhigher：whenhehadamassedaboutsixhundredpounds，hepurchasedanannuityofseventy—twopounds，andgaveout——whyshouldhenot？——thathehadthecapitalaswellastheinterest。AfterleavingtheHayesfamilyinthecountry，hefoundthemagaininLondon：hetookuphisabodewiththem，andwasattachedtothemotherandtheson。Doyousupposethatrascalshavenotaffectionslikeotherpeople？hearts，madam——ay，hearts——andfamilytieswhichtheycherish？AstheDoctorlivedonwiththischarmingfamilyhebegantoregretthathehadsunkallhismoneyinannuities，andcouldnot，asherepeatedlyvowedhewould，leavehissavingstohisadoptedchildren。
　　Hefeltanindescribablepleasure（"suavemarimagno，"etc。）inwatchingthestormsandtempestsoftheHayesmenage。HeusedtoencourageMrs。Catherineintoangerwhen，haply，thatlady’sfitsofcalmwouldlasttoolong；heusedtowarmupthedisputesbetweenwifeandhusband，motherandson，andenjoythembeyondexpression：
　　theyservedhimfordailyamusement；andheusedtolaughuntilthetearsrandownhisvenerablecheeksattheaccountswhichyoungTomcontinuallybroughthimofhispranksabroad，amongwatchmenandconstables，attavernsorelsewhere。
　　When，therefore，asthepartywerediscussingtheirbaconandcabbage，beforewhichtheReverendDoctorwithmuchgravitysaidgrace，MasterTomentered。DoctorWood，whohadbeforebeenrathergloomy，immediatelybrightenedup，andmadeaplaceforBillingsbetweenhimselfandMrs。Catherine。
　　"Howdo，oldcock？"saidthatyounggentlemanfamiliarly。"Howgoesit，mother？"Andsosaying，heseizedeagerlyuponthejugofbeerwhichMr。Hayeshaddrawn，andfromwhichthelatterwasabouttohelphimself，andpoureddownhisthroatexactlyonequart。
　　"Ah！"saidMr。Billings，drawingbreathafteradraughtwhichhehadlearnedaccuratelytogaugefromthehabitofdrinkingoutofpewtermeasureswhichheldpreciselythatquantity。——"Ah！"saidMr。
　　Billings，drawingbreath，andwipinghismouthwithhissleeves，"thisisverythinstuff，oldSquaretoes；butmycoppershavebeenred—hotsincelastnight，andtheywantedasluicing。"
　　"Shouldyoulikesomeale，dear？"saidMrs。Hayes，thatfondandjudiciousparent。
　　"Aquartofbrandy，Tom？"saidDoctorWood。"Yourpapawillrundowntothecellarforitinaminute。"
　　"I’llseehimhangedfirst！"criedMr。Hayes，quitefrightened。
　　"Oh，fie，now，youunnaturalfather！"saidtheDoctor。
　　TheverynameoffatherusedtoputMr。Hayesinafury。"I’mnothisfather，thankHeaven！"saidhe。
　　"No，nornobodyelse’s，"saidTom。
　　Mr。Hayesonlymuttered"Base—bornbrat！"
　　"Hisfatherwasagentleman，——that’smorethanyoueverwere！"
　　screamedMrs。Hayes。"Hisfatherwasamanofspirit；nocowardlysneakofacarpenter，MrHayes！Tomhasnoblebloodinhisveins，forallhehasatailor’sappearance；andifhismotherhadhadherright，shewouldbenowinacoach—and—six。"
　　"IwishIcouldfindmyfather，"saidTom；"forIthinkPollyBriggsandIwouldlookmightywellinacoach—and—six。"Tomfanciedthatifhisfatherwasacountatthetimeofhisbirth，hemustbeaprincenow；and，indeed，wentamonghiscompanionsbythelatteraugusttitle。
　　"Ay，Tom，thatyouwould，"criedhismother，lookingathimfondly。
　　"Withaswordbymyside，andahatandfeatherthere’sneveralordatSt。James’swouldcutafinerfigure。"
　　Afteralittlemoreofthistalk，inwhichMrs。Hayesletthecompanyknowherhighopinionofherson——who，asusual，tookcaretoshowhisextremecontemptforhisstepfather——thelatterretiredtohisoccupations；thelodger，Mrs。Springatt，whohadneversaidawordallthistime，retiredtoherapartmentonthesecondfloor；
　　and，pullingouttheirpipesandtobacco，theoldgentlemanandtheyoungonesolacedthemselveswithhalf—an—hour’smoretalkandsmoking；whilethethriftyMrs。Hayes，oppositetothem，wasbusywithherbooks。
　　"What’sintheconfessions？"saidMr。BillingstoDoctorWood。
　　"Thereweresixof’embesidesMac：twoforsheep，fourhousebreakers；butnothingofconsequence，Ifancy。"
　　"There’sthepaper，"saidWood，archly。"Readforyourself，Tom。"
　　Mr。Tomlookedatthesametimeveryfierceandveryfoolish；for，thoughhecoulddrink，swear，andfightaswellasanyladofhisinchesinEngland，readingwasnotamonghisaccomplishments。"I
　　tellyouwhat，Doctor，"saidhe，"————you！havenobanteringwithme，——forI’mnotthemanthatwillbearit，——me！"andhethrewatremendousswaggeringlookacrossthetable。
　　"Iwantyoutolearntoread，Tommydear。Lookatyourmotherthereoverherbooks：shekeepsthemasneatasascrivenernow，andattwentyshecouldmakeneverastroke。"
　　"Yourgodfatherspeaksforyourgood，child；andforme，thouknowestthatIhavepromisedtheeagold—headedcaneandperiwigonthefirstdaythatthoucanstreadmeacolumnoftheFlyingPost。"
　　"Hangtheperiwig！"saidMr。Tom，testily。"Letmygodfatherreadthepaperhimself，ifhehasalikingforit。"
　　Whereupontheoldgentlemanputonhisspectacles，andglancedoverthesheetofwhity—brownpaper，which，ornamentedwithapictureofagallowsatthetop，containedthebiographiesofthesevenunluckyindividualswhohadthatmorningsufferedthepenaltyofthelaw。
　　Withthesixheroeswhocamefirstinthelistwehavenothingtodo；buthavebeforeusacopyofthepapercontainingthelifeofNo。7，andwhichtheDoctorreadinanaudiblevoice。
　　"CAPTAINMACSHANE。
　　"Theseventhvictimtohisowncrimeswasthefamoushighwayman，CaptainMacshane，sowellknownastheIrishFire—eater。
　　"TheCaptaincametothegroundinafinewhitelawnshirtandnightcap；and，beingaPapistinhisreligion，wasattendedbyFatherO’Flaherty，Popishpriest，andchaplaintotheBavarianEnvoy。
　　"CaptainMacshanewasbornofrespectableparents，inthetownofClonakilty，inIreland，beingdescendedfrommostofthekingsinthatcountry。HehadthehonourofservingtheirMajestiesKingWilliamandQueenMary，andHerMajestyQueenAnne，inFlandersandSpain，andobtainedmuchcreditfrommyLordsMarlboroughandPeterboroughforhisvalour。
　　"Butbeingplacedonhalf—payattheendofthewar，EnsignMacshanetooktoevilcourses；and，frequentingthebagniosanddice—houses，wasspeedilybroughttoruin。
　　"Beingatthispass，hefellinwiththenotoriousCaptainWood，andtheytwotogethercommittedmanyatrociousrobberiesintheinlandcounties；butthesebeingtoohottoholdthem，theywentintothewest，wheretheywereunknown。Here，however，thedayofretributionarrived；for，havingstolenthreepewter—potsfromapublic—house，they，underfalsenames，weretriedatExeter，andtransportedforsevenyearsbeyondthesea。ThusitisseenthatJusticeneversleeps；but，soonerorlatter，issuretoovertakethecriminal。
　　"OntheirreturnfromVirginia，aquarrelaboutbootyarosebetweenthesetwo，andMacshanekilledWoodinacombatthattookplacebetweenthemneartothetownofBristol；butawaggoncomingup，Macshanewasobligedtoflywithouttheill—gottenwealth：sotrueisit，thatwickednessneverprospers。
　　"Twodaysafterwards，MacshanemetthecoachofMissMacraw，aScotchladyandheiress，going，forlumbagoandgout，totheBath。
　　Heatfirstwouldhaverobbedthislady；butsuchwerehisarts，thatheinducedhertomarryhim；andtheylivedtogetherforsevenyearsinthetownofEddenboro，inScotland，——hepassingunderthenameofColonelGeraldine。Theladydying，andMacshanehavingexpendedallherwealth，hewasobligedtoresumehisformerevilcourses，inordertosavehimselffromstarvation；whereuponherobbedaScotchlord，bynametheLordofWhistlebinkie，ofamullofsnuff；forwhichcrimehewascondemnedtotheTolboothprisonatEddenboro，inScotland，andwhippedmanytimesinpublick。