In conclusion, he signified his resolution
to stay where he was, at all events, without making himself
accountable to any person, whatsoever.
Peregrine seeing him determined, desisted from any further
importunity; resolving, however, to tire him out of his plan by
reserve and supercilious neglect; for he could not bear the thought
of being so notoriously obliged by any person upon earth. With this
view he quitted the lieutenant, upon some slight pretence; after
having told him, that he could not have the pleasure of his company
at dinner, because he was engaged with a particular club of his
fellow-prisoners.
Jack was a stranger to the punctilios of behaviour, and therefore
did not take this declaration amiss; but had immediate recourse
to the advice of his counsellor, Mr. Pipes, who proposed, that he
should go to the coffee-house and kitchen, and give the people to
understand that he would pay for all such liquor and provisions as
Mr. Pickle should order to be sent to his lodging. This expedient
was immediately practised; and as there was no credit in the place,
Hatchway deposited a sum of money, by way of security, to the cook
and the vintner, intimating, that there was a necessity for taking
that method of befriending his cousin Peregrine, who was subject to
strange whims, that rendered it impossible to serve him any other
way.
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