Chapter 3
The departure of Jones from Upton, with what passed between him
and Partridge on the road
At length we are once more come to our heroe; and, to say truth,
we have been obliged to part with him so long, that, considering the
condition in which we left him, I apprehend many of our readers have
concluded we intended to abandon him for ever; he being at present
in that situation in which prudent people usually desist from
enquiring any farther after their friends, lest they should be shocked
by hearing such friends had hanged themselves.
But, in reality, if we have not all the virtues, I will boldly
say, neither have we all the vices of a prudent character; and
though it is not easy to conceive circumstances much more miserable
than those of poor Jones at present, we shall return to him, and
attend upon him with the same diligence as if he was wantoning in
the brightest beams of fortune.
Mr. Jones, then, and his companion Partridge, left the inn a few
minutes after the departure of Squire Western, and pursued the same
road on foot, for the hostler told them that no horses were by any
means to be at that time procured at Upton. On they marched with heavy
hearts; for though their disquiet proceeded from very different
reasons, yet displeased they were both; and if Jones sighed
bitterly, Partridge grunted altogether as sadly at every step.
When they came to the cross-roads where the squire had stopt to take
counsel, Jones stopt likewise, and turning to Partridge, asked his
opinion which track they should pursue.
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