preternatural, and I am actually, at this hour, believed to be
a witch. The parson of the parish, whose acquaintance I have not
been at much pains to cultivate, taking umbrage at my supposed
disrespect, has contributed not a little towards the confirmation
of this opinion, by dropping certain hints to my prejudice among
the vulgar, who are also very much scandalised at my entertaining
this poor tabby cat with the collar about her neck, which was a
favourite of my deceased companion."

The whole behaviour of this venerable person was so primitive,
innocent, sensible, and humane, that I contracted a filial respect
for her, and begged her advice with regard to my future conduct,
as soon as I was in a condition to act for myself. She dissuaded
me from a design I had formed of travelling to Louder, in hopes of
retrieving my clothes and pay, by returning to my ship, which by
this time I read in the newspaper was safely arrived in the River
Thames: "because," said she, "you run the hazard of being treated
not only as a deserter in quitting the sloop, but also as a mutineer,
in assaulting your commanding officer, to the malice of whose revenge
you will moreover be exposed." She then promised to recommend me,
as servant to a single lady of her acquaintance, who lived in the
neighbourhood with her nephew, who was a young foxhunter of great
fortune, where I might be very happy, provided I could bear with
the disposition and manners of my mistress, which were somewhat
whimsical and particular. But, above all things, she counselled
me to conceal my story, the knowledge of which would effectually
poison my entertainment; for it was a maxim, among most people of
condition, that no gentleman ought to be admitted into a family
as a domestic, lest he become lazy, and insolent. I was fain to
embrace this humble proposal, because my affairs were desperate;