ABSTRACT
With great firmness and dignity of manner, Tim sustained this disagreeable occurrence. He requested his comrades not to treat him with unmanly insult; as he was prepared to meet his fate, and had actually determined to surrender himself the earliest opportunity. This declaration met with little credit. They bound his arms with a cord, and already reckoned upon the reward; when the vessel was suddenly boarded by a press-gang, from a king’s ship, which just then had arrived in the Capes. 539 A great part of the crew were taken, and the lieutenant, seeing our hero pinioned, inquired what was the cause? He had not received an answer, before Tim recognised the voice and countenance of his friend Gunter; and accosted him in terms of surprise and joy. The lieutenant / at first could scarcely believe his eyes or ears. But being in a few moments convinced, he embraced Tickle affectionately, inquired with great solicitude the cause of his disguise, and ordered him to be unbound, and conveyed, as well as Sancho, to the Boyne. The commodore, on his being introduced, started back, at first, and said, ‘What, under false colours, my lad! – No clandestine trade that you need blush at, I hope? If it be only misfortune, folly, or a love-adventure, give me your hand. But if your honour is rotten or wormeaten, you shall have no protection from me.’
