The Adventures of Roderick Random

Imposed Upon by a Footman

After drying their clothes and finishing their pot, they inquire of the landlord about Mr. Cringer, the member of parliament. The landlord denies knowing him, though the travelers imagined he would be conspicuous in London as in his borough. He suggests they might hear of him as they walk. Spotting a footman at a nearby door, they approach him for directions. Surveying them minutely, the footman claims to know Mr. Cringer well and gives elaborate instructions: turn down the first street on the left, then to the right, then to the left again, find a lane, pass through an alley, and locate the sign of the Thistle and Three Pedlars where he lodges. They thank him and proceed, Strap confidently trusting the man’s honest face and good manners. They follow the directions precisely—left, right, left—but instead of a lane, find themselves at the riverside, completely lost.

Set to Rights by a Tobacconist

Exhausted and perplexed, they seek refuge in a small snuff-shop nearby, attracted by the sign of the Highland. Roderick discovers the shopkeeper is a fellow Scot, which fills him with inexpressible satisfaction. Upon hearing of their misadventure and the footman’s directions, the tobacconist reveals they have been imposed upon and that Mr. Cringer actually lives in the other end of town, already departed for the House of Parliament. He writes a recommendation for them to an acquaintance who keeps a chandler’s shop near St. Martin’s Lane.

Taking Lodgings

Following the tobacconist’s letter, they take a room up two pair of stairs at a chandler’s shop, renting for two shillings per week. The room is so small that when the bed is let down, they must carry out every other piece of furniture and use the bedstead by way of chairs. At dinner time, their landlord asks how they propose to live, explaining there are two ways for people of their condition: the creditable but expensive dining houses frequented by well-dressed people, or “diving,” practiced by those who must live frugally. He assures them that many creditable, rich, even fine people dive every day, and has seen well-dressed gentlemen with laced waistcoats dine comfortably for three halfpenny before going to coffeehouses to make a figure with lords.