Acceptance and Preparations
Piqued by his uncle’s insinuation that romantic notions are foolish fantasies fit only for pleasure-seeking idlers, the narrator accepts the offer without deliberation. Mr. Bowling takes him immediately to meet his chief owner where terms are agreed upon. The narrator draws up a medicine list for five hundred men adapted to tropical diseases for an eighteen-month voyage, procures surgical instruments, and selects two fellow countrymen as mates. His uncle gifts him ten guineas initially and later transfers one-third of the three thousand pounds cleared from his voyage, providing additional credit to purchase merchandise suited for their destination.
Farewell to Prison Friends
Before departing, the narrator throws a supper for Mr. Melopoyn and Jackson at his apartment, treating them to good wine and announcing his release, which they genuinely congratulate despite the loss of his company. He presents the poet Melopoyn with a bundle of linen and necessaries plus five guineas, causing the deeply moved man to burst into tears. When the narrator explains Melopoyn’s circumstances to Mr. Bowling, the honest seaman is so affected that he adds five more guineas, which the narrator has delivered anonymously through Strap after their departure. At the prison gate, Jackson, whose loose and indifferent nature the narrator finds difficult to pity, calls out for a parting loan. The narrator slips him a guinea, which Jackson receives with astonishment and hearty laughter before releasing the narrator to depart.
Farewell to Acquaintances
The narrator makes arrangements to bid farewell to his friends in another part of town where he had not ventured since his imprisonment. Donning his finest suit after selling other rich clothes per his uncle’s advice, he visits the coffee house where he encounters Banter. Banter is confounded by his elegant appearance and initially suspects him of having committed highway robbery. When the narrator demands repayment of the money Banter borrowed, the latter protests about insufficient notice but accepts a direction to a merchant who will accept payment and issue a discharge. The narrator sends cards inviting all friends to a tavern dinner, where he treats them elaborately, and they express both admiration and applause. He endures numerous farewells and affectionate embraces until midnight before departing.
Departure
The following day, the narrator departs with Strap in a postchaise for Gravesend. They board the ship, and with favorable wind conditions, they weigh anchor within twelve hours. The vessel sets sail without incident as the narrator leaves England behind.
Arrival at the Downs
The ship reaches the Downs without encountering any mishap. However, they are forced to anchor there and wait for an easterly wind that will allow them to navigate out of the Channel and continue their voyage.
CHAPTER LXV
CHAPTER LXV narrates Roderick Random’s secret journey to Sussex to see Narcissa one last time before departing on a voyage, his subsequent reunion with her, and the discovery that the voyage is actually a slave trading expedition to Guinea bound for Paraguay.
Journey to Sussex
Roderick obtains leave from the captain to go ashore, explaining to Strap that he must see Narcissa before leaving England. The two hire horses and set out from Deal, covering thirty miles to Sussex. They halt five miles from the squire’s estate and wait for nightfall before proceeding through the darkness to Mrs. Sagely’s cottage.
Consultation with Mrs. Sagely
Roderick devises a careful plan to contact Mrs. Sagely without alarming her. Strap approaches the door alone, passing a letter through the threshold. When Mrs. Sagely reads it and recognizes Roderick’s voice through the keyhole, she admits him. She reveals that Narcissa has been strictly confined since returning from Bath, particularly after a servant revealed she had sent a letter to Roderick. Mrs. Sagely proposes a dangerous plan to enter the squire’s garden and hide until Narcissa comes out for air.
Secret Interview with Narcissa
Roderick leaves Strap to return the horses and spends the night at Mrs. Sagely’s cottage. Early the next morning, armed with pistols and a hanger, he climbs over the garden wall and conceals himself in a thicket near an alcove where Narcissa often walks. He waits from five in the morning until six in the evening, when at last he sees Narcissa and Miss Williams approaching. He leaves his portrait in miniature on the stone table as an introduction. Narcissa discovers the picture, exclaims at the resemblance, and kisses it tenderly, placing it against her heart. Roderick reveals himself, causing Narcissa to faint, but he revives her with his kisses. During their brief interview lasting about an hour, Roderick convinces Narcissa of the necessity of his departure and they exchange vows of eternal constancy before parting with great sorrow.
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