The Adventures of Roderick Random

Insulted by a Carman

At Roderick’s instruction, Strap approaches a carman in the street to ask directions to Mr. Cringer. The carman responds with a blank stare and the word “Anan!” When Roderick tries to clarify, he proves equally unintelligible to the carman, who curses them as a “lousy Scotch guard” and drives away whipping his horses with a “Gee ho!” Strap is nettled to the quick and declares he would fight the man for a farthing even though the carman has already departed.

The Coachman’s Prank

While they stand debating their next move by the gutter, a hackney coachman notices them and calls out “A coach, master!” With dextrous reinsmanship, he makes his horses stumble in the wet, splashing mud over both travelers from head to foot. He drives on laughing heartily at the prank, and several passersby join in his amusement at their expense. One compassionate stranger advises them to go into an alehouse to dry themselves, advice they gratefully follow.

An Adventure in an Alehouse

Entering the suggested alehouse, they call for beer and clean themselves by the fire. A witty fellow at a nearby box, noting their Scottish accent, approaches with mock gravity and asks how long they have been caught, explaining that their “tail” has not yet been cut. He pulls Roderick’s hair and winks at the amused company. Roderick is incensed but afraid to resent this treatment, as the man is brawny and the place unfamiliar. Strap, however, confronts the man for his rudeness to his betters. The wit seizes Strap by the chin and shakes it, asking mockingly if his knapsack contains oatmeal or brimstone. Strap breaks free and boxes the man’s ear soundly, creating an audience for a fight. Roderick, heated with indignation, strips and declares he will fight the battle himself since the original affront was offered to him. The spectators approve, calling him a brave Scotch boy who shall have fair play. Roderick strikes his pale-looking adversary hard in the stomach, felling him over a bench. He attempts to pin him down Scottish style but is restrained by the crowd. The man pleads that he is not yet recovered from illness and refuses to continue. Roderick dresses, having won the good opinion of all for his bravery, and receives Strap’s congratulatory handshake.