Aim. [aside]. Very old, if your coat be regimental.—[Aloud.] You have served abroad, sir?

Gib. Yes, sir—in the plantations, ’twas my lot to be sent into the worst service; I would have quitted it indeed, but a man of honour, you know—Besides, ’twas for the good of my country that I should be abroad:—anything for the good of one’s country—I’m a Roman for that.

Aim. [aside]. One of the first; I’ll lay my life.—[Aloud.] You found the West Indies very hot, sir?

Gib. Ay, sir, too hot for me.

Aim. Pray, sir, han’t I seen your face at Will’s coffee-house?

Gib. Yes, sir, and at White’s too.

Aim. And where is your company now, captain?

Gib. They an’t come yet.

Aim. Why, d’ye expect ’em here?

Gib. They’ll be here to-night, sir.

Aim. Which way do they march?

Gib. Across the country.—[Aside.] The devil’s in’t, if I han’t said enough to encourage him to declare! But I’m afraid he’s not right; I must tack about.

Aim. Is your company to quarter in Lichfield?

Gib. In this house, sir.

Aim. What! all?

Gib. My company’s but thin, ha! ha! ha! we are but three, ha! ha! ha!

Aim. You’re merry, sir.

Gib. Ay, sir, you must excuse me, sir; I understand the world, especially the art of travelling: I don’t care, sir, for answering questions directly upon the road—for I generally ride with a charge about me.

Aim. Three or four, I believe.

[Aside.

Gib. I am credibly informed that there are highwaymen upon this quarter; not, sir, that I could suspect a gentleman of your figure—but truly, sir, I have got such a way of evasion upon the road, that I don’t care for speaking truth to any man.

Aim. [aside]. Your caution may be necessary.—[Aloud.] Then I presume you’re no captain?

Gib. Not I, sir; captain is a good travelling name, and so I take it; it stops a great many foolish inquiries that are generally made about gentlemen that travel, it gives a man an air of something, and makes the drawers obedient:—and thus far I am a captain, and no farther.

Aim. And pray, sir, what is your true profession?

Gib. O sir, you must excuse me!—upon my word, sir, I don’t think it safe to tell ye.