CHAPTER XVII.
I go to Surgeons' Hall, when I meet Mr.Jackson-am examined--a fierce dispute arises between two of the examiners--Jackson disguises himself to attract respect--irises himself to attract respect--is detected--in hazard of being sent to Bridewell--he treats us at a Tavern--carries us to a Night-house--A troublesome adventure there--we are committed to the Round-house--carried before a Justice--his behaviour With the assistance of this faithful adherent, who gave me almost all the money he earned, I preserved my half-guinea entire till the day of examination, when I went with a quaking heart to Surgeons' Hall, in order to undergo that ceremony.

Among a crowd of young fellows who walked in the outward hall, I perceived Mr.Jackson, to whom I immediately went up; and, inquiring into the state of his love affair, understood it was still undetermined, by reason of his friend's absence, and the delay of the recall at Chatham, which put it out of his power to bring it to a conclusion.

I then asked what his business was in this place; he replied, he was resolved to have two strings to his bow, that in case the one failed, he might use the other; and, with this view, he was to pass that night for a higher qualification.

At that instant, a young fellow came out from the place of examination, with a pale countenance, his lip quivering, and his looks as wild as if he had seen a ghost.

He no sooner appeared, than we all flocked about him with the utmost eagerness to know what reception he had met with; which, after some pause, he described, recounting all the questions they had asked, with the answers he made.