Returning to B-- at the Admiralty Coffeehouse, and communicating what had passed, it was not long before we saw his lordship pass and stop at the Admiralty-Office. Guessing what his errand might be, B-requested a brother-officer to go thither and learn what mischief was hatching. We were soon informed that a complaint was lodged against us both, and in all probability warrants would be soon issued for our apprehension. To avoid which, we immediately took post-chaise to Dover intending to cross the channel to France: but it unfortunately happened that poor B― was indebted to a tradesman there, who, hearing of his arrival at the inn, and concluding, from our eager inquiries about the packet's sailing that B was flying from his creditors, had him arrested and taken to Mr. J-ts at the Castle.

I accompanied my friend, and, finding the governor well disposed to make the quarters. agreeable, I took up a voluntary abode at the Castle with him. Being no way sparing in our expences, we passed away a few days and nights. as pleasantly as heart could wish and my only. regret was the loss of my friend's liberty. The governor was one of the most extraordinary characters I ever met with. His morality, which. was extravagantly eccentric, he would justify by texts from Scripture, with a volubility of argu-.

ment that might have puzzled better casuists than we could pretend to be; and we must have possessed a wonderful self-denial to attempt it, He had a large and beautiful family: the daughters were lively and frolicsome as May, and such noble disputants that contention with them was in vain; we submitted of course.

On the third day, when things were in train for settling the arrest, we were rather more vexed than surprised at being apprehended by some gentlemen who had taken the trouble of tracing and following us from London. Knowing it was useless then to settle the other arrest, I accompanied the gentlemen back to town the following day, when I soon got, bailed. The governor brought my friend up and lodged him safely in the Fleet, where, purchasing a knowledge of the Rules, he lived unmolested for some months, his father still refusing to assist him. The fracas with his lordship was made up by his making the amende honorable, which likewise released me.

CHAPTER XIX.

A visit to the Savages in North America.

WHILE B was thus busily but quietly engaged in arranging matters with all his friends, • I recollected a half promise I had made nearly twelve months before, when in America, to meet some Indian chiefs, who came annually to receive presents from government; and with whom I had ingratiated myself so much, by frequent familiar conversations about their country and mode of living, as to receive most pressing invitations to accompany them back, which I felt much inclined to accept. I therefore gave a kind of promise to meet them that time twelve-month, if possible, but that I must cross the Great Belt first.

Remembering this in time, and nothing more suitable to my roving disposition being in view, I made what little preparations I thought necessary and returned agreeably to the appointment; and, when my Indian sachems understood I had re-crossed the Great Belt of Waters purposely to meet them, they appeared terrifically wild in their savage gesticulations of satisfaction. By

the interpreter, I soon learned a few common general words and wrote down many more to take with me. I only agreed for liberty to return when I liked, to which they seriously pledged themselves.

Learning pretty nearly what I had to encounter, I equipped accordingly: the spirit of enterprise reconciling me to every difficulty and danger I might have to engage with. It will be unnecessary to furnish a detail of uninteresting matter, relative to a tedious fatiguing journey, in which, however strong and active I had flattered myself with being, I found the Indians much superior. However, they had patience to bear with me, and I perseverance to continue it; until habit gave that tone to my nerves which enabled me at length to endure and accomplish what otherwise I never should have been equal to.

Of this Indian frolic, (for it can be considered in no other light,) I have nothing wonderful to relate. On joining their tribes the Oneidas and Tuscaroras,) I was received with an openness that insured the fullest protection and friendship, and I was given to understand that the confidence I had reposed in them should not be forfeited.

The short time I remained with them, was chiefly occupied in endeavouring to understand the ideas and manners of men in the crudesavage state of nature. I accompanied them in their

hunting parties, through the wilderness and woods, and in their fishing parties on Lake Ontario. Once I saw the Falls of Niagara; but, straitened in point of time and expecting to visit them again, I did not gratify the whole of my curiosity.

I began to be tolerably expert and to receive praise for my exertions, so that in time I might have made a tolerable good Indian. In running and climbing, the young Indians beat me hollow; but in wrestling I was an over-match for most. In throwing, I had no kind of chance with them, but with single stick I surprized them all with the management and exercise.

A few trinkets I took with me gained the hearts of several young squaws; but, whatever may be said about the indifference of savages in their love to women, I found the jealousy of two young Indians, in respect to the squaws they were courting, was not to be jested with. One of the lasses warned me to take care of the Indian who followed her, or he would do me mischief; and I was repeatedly asked by those I had first accompanied whether I designed settl ing with them, in which case, every thing would be done to make me happy; but, if that was not my intention, they recommended me to leave them soon and with secrecy, as some of the young Indians began to threaten me, which nothing but my determining publicly to fix and