midnight
I could not help smiling at this pretended delicacy , which I commended highly , telling him he needed not to be uneasy on that score , for I would give him a direction to a merchant in the city , with whom I would leave a discharge on the sum , to be delivered upon payment . He professed much joy at this expedient , and with great eagerness asked the person 's name and place of abode , which he forthwith wrote in his pocket-book , assuring me , that he should not be long in my debt . This affair , which I knew he should never after think of , being settled to his satisfaction , I sent cards to all my friends , desiring the favour of their company at a tavern in the evening , when they honoured my invitation , and I had the pleasure of treating them in a very elegant manner , at which they expressed equal admiration as applause . Having enjoyed ourselves till midnight , I took my leave of them , and was well nigh stifled with caresses : next day , I set out with Strap in a postchaise for Gravesend , where we went on board ; and the wind serving , weighed anchor in less than twelve hours . Without meeting with any accident , we reached the Downs , where we were obliged to come to an anchor , and wait for an easterly wind to carry us out of the Channel . 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 -LRB- though he endeavoured to dissuade me from such a rash undertaking -RRB- 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 .