The rumours of Jonathan Wild, then in the zenith of his glory, had somehow or other reached the ears of our North Briton.  He thereupon mentioned him to the watermen, who perceiving that he was a stranger, and hoping to get a pot of drink for the relation, obliged him with the best account they were able of Mr. Wild and his proceedings.  As soon, therefore, as Anderson came home, he put the other two guineas in his pocket, and over he came in a coach to the Old Bailey, where Mr. Wild had just then set up in his office, Mr. Anderson being introduced in form, acquainted him in good blunt Scotch how he had lost his money and his watch.  Jonathan used him very civilly, and promised his utmost diligence in recovering it.  Tom being willing to save money, enquired of him his way home by land on foot, and having received instructions he set out accordingly.  About the middle of Cheapside a well-dressed gentleman came up to him. Friend, says he, I have heard you ask five or six people, as I followed you, your way to Bur Street.  I am going thither and so if you’ll walk along with me, ’twill save you the labour of asking further questions.

Tom readily accepted the gentleman’s civility, and so on they trudged, until they came within twenty yards of the place, and into Tom’s knowledge. Young man, then says the stranger, since I have shown you the way home you must not refuse drinking a pint with me at a tavern hard by, of my acquaintance. No sooner were they entered and sat down, but a third person was introduced into their company, as an acquaintance of the former.  A good supper was provided, and when they had drunk about a pint of wine apiece, says the gentleman who brought him thither to Anderson, You seem an understanding young fellow.  I fancy your circumstances are not of the best.  Come, if you have a tolerable head and any courage, I’ll put you in a way to live as easy as you can wish.

Tom pricked up his ears upon this motion, and told him that truly, as to his circumstances, he had guessed very right, but that he wished he would be so good as to put him into any road of living like a gentleman. For to say the truth, sir, says he, it was with that view I left my own country to come up to London.

Well spoken, my lad, says the other, and like a gentleman thou shalt live.  But hark ye, are you well acquainted with the men of quality’s families about Aberdeen?  Yes, sir, says he. Well then, replied the stranger, do you know none of them who has a son about your age?  Yes, yes, replied Tom, My Lord J——­ sent his eldest son to our college at Aberdeen to be bred, and he and I an much alike, and not above ten days difference in our ages.  Why then, replied the spark, it will do, and here’s to your honour’s health.  Come, from this time forward, you are the Honourable Mr. ——­, son and heir apparent to the Right Honourable, the Lord ——.