Yours, etc., gam.  Pickle.”

Trunnion was incensed by this absurd renunciation, nor did Peregrine bear with patience the injurious declaration.

Meanwhile preparations were made for the youth’s departure to the University, and in a few weeks Peregrine set out for Oxford in the seventeenth year of his age, accompanied by Mr. Jolter and Pipes, the same attendants who lived with him at Winchester.

IV.—­Peregrine is Left an Orphan and Marries

From the University, Peregrine went on a grand tour in Europe, and was only summoned home by a letter from Lieutenant Hatchway representing the dangerous condition of the Commodore.

Our hero arrived at the garrison about four o’clock in the morning and found his generous uncle in extremity.  Though the Commodore’s speech was difficult, he still retained the use of his senses, and when Peregrine approached, stretched out his hand with manifest signs of satisfaction.  In spite of all his endeavours, the tears gushed from the young man’s eyes, and the Commodore, perceiving his distress, made a last effort and consoled him in these words: 

“Swab the spray from your bowsprit, my good lad, and coil up your spirits.  Many a better man has foundered before he has made half my way; though I trust, by the mercy of God, I shall be sure in port in a very few glasses, and fast moored in a most blessed riding; for my good friend Jolter hath overhauled the journal of my sins, and by the observation he hath taken of the state of my soul, I hope I shall happily conclude my voyage, and be brought up in the latitude of heaven.  Now while the sucker of my windpipe will go, I would willingly mention a few things which I hope you will set down in the logbook of your remembrance, d’ye see.  There’s your aunt sitting whimpering by the fire; I desire you will keep her tight, warm, and easy in her old age.  Jack Hatchway, I believe she has a kindness for you; whereby, if you two will grapple in the way of matrimony I do suppose that my godson for love of me, will allow you to live in the garrison all the days of your life.  I need not talk of Pipes, because I know you will do for him without any recommendation.  But I hope you’ll take care of the rest of my crew, and not disrate them after I am dead in favour of new followers.  As for that young woman, Ned Gauntlet’s daughter, I am informed as how she’s an excellent wench, and has a respect for you; whereby if you run her on board in an unlawful way, I leave my curse upon you, and trust you will never prosper in the voyage of life.  But I believe you are more of an honest man than to behave so much like a pirate.  As soon as the breath is out of my body, let minute guns be fired, till I am safe under ground.  Let my pistols, cutlass, and pocket compass be laid in the coffin along with me.  And now I have no more to say, but God in heaven have mercy on my soul, and send you all fair weather, wheresoever you may be bound.”