“The grateful Saheb now struck off my chains; and my own anxiety for my escape was scarcely equal to his. He had swift horses belonging to the soldiers in readiness; and we pursued our course all night without interruption. He was well acquainted with the country, having accompanied the sultan on several expeditions. When we thought ourselves beyond the reach of all pursuers, Saheb permitted me to rest; but I never rested at my ease till I was out of Tippoo Sultan’s dominions, and once more in safety at Madras. Dr. Bell received me with great kindness, heard my story, and congratulated me on my escape from Tippoo’s power. “I was now rich beyond my hopes; for I had Omychund’s order upon the Madras merchant safe in my pocket, and the whole sum was punctually paid to me. My ring I sold to the governor of Madras for more even than I expected. “I had the satisfaction to learn, before I left Madras, that Omychund’s treachery was made known to the sultan, by means of Prince Abdul Calie, whose memory will ever be dear to me. Tippoo, as I have been informed, in speaking of me, was heard to regret that he could not recall to his service such an honest Englishman. “I was eager to reward the faithful Saheb, but he absolutely refused the money which I offered him, saying, ‘that he would not be paid for saving the life of one who had saved his.’ He expressed a great desire to accompany me to my native country, from the moment that I told him we had no slaves there; and that as soon as any slave touched the English shore, by our laws, he obtained his freedom. He pressed me so earnestly to take him along with me as my servant, that I could not refuse; so he sailed with me for Europe. As the wind filled the sails of our vessel, much did I rejoice that the gales which blew me from the shores of India were not tainted with the curses of any of my fellow-creatures. Here I am, thank Heaven! once more in free and happy England, with a good fortune, clean hands, and a pure conscience, not unworthy to present myself to my first good master, to him whose humanity and generosity were the cause of--” Here Mr. R---- interrupted his own praises, by saying to those of the miners who had not fallen fast asleep, “My good friends, you now know the meaning of the toast which you all drank after dinner; let us drink it again before we part ‘Welcome home to our friend, Mr. Jervas, and may good faith always meet with good fortune!’” _October_, 1799. THE WILL CHAPTER I. Mr. Pearson, a wealthy Lincolnshire farmer, who had always been esteemed a prudent sensible man, though something of a _humourist_, made the following will: “I, John Pearson, of _The Wold_ in Lincolnshire, farmer, being of sound mind and body, do make this my last will and testament, &c. “I give and bequeath my farm of West Woldland to my eldest nephew, Grimes Goodenough; my farm of Holland Fen to my dear nephew, John Wright, and my farm of Clover-hill to my youngest nephew, Pierce Marvel.