The Adventures of Roderick Random

A Tavern and a Night-House

The narrator and his companions successfully plead Jackson’s cause with the beadle, who is mollified with a half-crown bribe. Jackson is released and, vowing to spend all his money since the examination board refused it, treats everyone to punch at a friend’s tavern. The drinking continues until about ten o’clock at night, when the narrator becomes intoxicated and demands female company. Jackson leads the group to a night-house, where his peculiar dress attracts the attention of several women to whom he treats arrack punch. When the bill arrives, amounting to twelve shillings, Jackson discovers his purse has been stolen.

Committed to the Round-House

Upon discovering the theft, Jackson threatens the two women sitting beside him and accuses the landlady, Mrs. Harridan, of robbery. The landlady counters by charging Jackson with scandalizing her reputation and assault. One of the women, offended by the narrator’s remarks, declares they are all complicit, and the constable arrests everyone. They are transported to the round-house as prisoners. Jackson reports his robbery to the constable, who reveals that Mrs. Harridan runs a notorious establishment protected by corrupt justices who receive quarterly payments. The constable warns that without settling the matter, they could face hard labor in Bridewell or even trial at the Old Bailey. The constable arranges an arbitration, fining each party three shillings for a bowl of punch that restores peace. When the bowl is finished, the constable explains that only the justice can discharge prisoners.