There was so much plausibility in the speech of
the Quaker, and his appearance and behaviour were so perfectly
respectable, that my friend felt almost ashamed of the suspicion
which at first he had entertained of him, though, at the same time,
he felt an unaccountable unwillingness to let the man depart
without some further interrogation. The landlord, however, who did
not wish to disoblige one who had been, and might probably be
again, a profitable customer, declared that he was perfectly
satisfied; and that he had no wish to detain the note, which he
made no doubt the gentleman had received in the way of business,
and that as the matter concerned him alone, he would leave it to
him to make the necessary inquiries. 'Just as you please, friend,'
said the Quaker, pocketing the suspicious note, 'I will now pay my
bill.' Thereupon he discharged the bill with a five-pound note,
which he begged the landlord to inspect carefully, and with two
pieces of gold.
"The landlord had just taken the money, receipted the bill, and was
bowing to his customer, when the door opened, and a lad, dressed in
a kind of grey livery, appeared, and informed the Quaker that the
chaise was ready. 'Is that boy your servant?' said the surgeon.
'He is, friend,' said the Quaker. 'Hast thou any reason for asking
me that question?' 'And has he been long in your service?'
'Several years,' replied the Quaker, 'I took him into my house out
of compassion, he being an orphan, but as the chaise is waiting, I
will bid thee farewell.
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