CHAPTER LXV.
I set out for Sussex--consult Mrs.Sagely--achieve an Interview with Narcissa--return to the Ship--we get clear of the Channel--I learn our Destination--we are chased by a large Ship--the company are dismayed, and encouraged by the Captain's speech--our pursuer happens to be an English Man of War--we arrive at the Coast of Guinea, purchase four hundred Negroes--sail for Paraguay, get safe into the River of Plate, and sell our Cargo to great Advantage It was now I put in execution the scheme I had projected at London; and asking leave of the captain for Strap and me to stay on shore till the wind should become favourable, my request was granted, because he had orders to remain in the Downs until he should receive some dispatches from London, which he did not expect in less than a week.

Having imparted my resolution to my trusty valet, who (though he endeavoured to dissuade me from such a rash undertaking) would not quit me in the enterprise, I hired horses, and set out immediately for that part of Sussex where my charmer was confined, which was not above thirty miles distant from Deal, where we mounted.

As I was perfectly well acquainted with the extent of the squire's estate and influence, I halted within five miles of his house, where we remained till the twilight, at which time we set forward, and, by the favour of a dark night, reached a copse about half-a-mile from the village where Mrs.Sagely lived.

Here we left our horses tied to a tree, and went directly to the house of my old benefactress, Strap trembling all the way, and venting ejaculatory petitions to heaven for our safety.

Her habitation being quite solitary, we arrived at the door without being observed, when I ordered my companion to enter by himself; and, in case there should be company with her, deliver a letter which I had writ for that purpose, and say that a friend of hers in London, understanding that he intended to travel this road, had committed it to his care.