Pipes entered into this opinion the
more willingly, as he had all along believed the senior to be a sort
of wizard, or some cacodaemon, whom it was not very creditable to
be acquainted with. Indeed, he had been inspired with this notion
by the insinuations of Hadgi, who had formerly dropped some hints
touching Crabtree's profound knowledge in the magic art; mentioning,
in particular, his being possessed of the philosopher's stone; an
assertion to which Tom had given implicit credit, until his master
was sent to prison for debt, when he could no longer suppose
Cadwallader lord of such a valuable secret, or else he would have
certainly procured the enlargement of his most intimate friend.
With these sentiments, he espoused the resentment of Hatchway.
They determined to seize the supposed conjurer, with the first
opportunity, on his return from his visit to Peregrine, and,
without hesitation, exercise upon him the discipline of the pump.
This plan they would have executed that same evening, had not the
misanthrope luckily withdrawn himself, by accident, before it was
dark, and even before they had intelligence of his retreat.
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