The Adventures of Roderick Random

Squire Gawky’s Arrival

Squire Gawky takes lodging at Mr. Lavement’s house, the apothecary with whom the narrator works. By this time, Gawky has obtained a lieutenant’s commission in the army and bears a martial appearance. The narrator recognizes him from a previous encounter in Scotland, where Gawky had broken an appointment with him. However, Gawky shows no sign of recognition at seeing the narrator, who feels relieved but knows that beneath the changed exterior, Gawky remains the same deceitful character.

The Footpad Adventure

One night, the narrator returns home late from a patient’s house and hears a disturbance in the street. He discovers two gentlemen being held by three watchmen—one appears to be a Scotchman who is badly treated, his hat and wig missing. Driven by patriotism for his native country, the narrator strikes the watchman holding the Scotchman with his cudgel. The man immediately runs away, leaving the narrator to face the consequences alone. The narrator receives a blow to his eye that nearly blinds him. When he reaches home, he learns that Captain Gawky has been robbed and abused by footpads and requires medical treatment.

Exposing Gawky’s Cowardice

The narrator realizes that Gawky, who came home without his hat and wig, was the very man he rescued. The next day, after hearing Gawky tell elaborate lies about his own bravery in escaping the footpads, the narrator exposes the truth before Mr. and Mrs. Lavement and their daughter. He produces his bruised eye as evidence and accuses Gawky of cowardice and ingratitude. Gawky is struck speechless, but the mistress reprimands the narrator and threatens to dismiss him. Gawky then recovers his composure and, with pretended magnanimity, forgives the “mistake.” The apothecary, more perceptive than his family, privately remarks that his wife and daughter are “diablement sage” while Gawky is merely a braggart.