Now, if so be as how you have a mind to
give him a salt eel for his supper, here am I, without hope of fee
or reward, ready to stand by you as long as my timbers will stick
together: and if I expect any recompense, may I be bound to eat
oakum and drink bilge-water for life."
Startled at this information, Peregrine examined him upon the
particulars of his discourse with the lacquey; and when he understood
that Hornbeck's intelligence flowed from the canal of his Flemish
footman, he believed every circumstance of Tom's report, thanked
him for his warning, and, after having reprimanded him for his
misbehaviour at Lisle, assured him that it should be his own fault
if ever they should part again. He then deliberated with himself
whether or not he should retort the purpose upon his adversary; but
when he considered that Hornbeck was not the aggressor, and made
that unhappy husband's case his own, he could not help quitting his
intention of revenge; though, in his opinion, it ought to have been
executed in a more honourable manner, and therefore he determined
to chastise him for his want of spirit.
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