The Adventures of Roderick Random

Proof of Identity

The narrator finds Miss Williams’ two acquaintances together at a house in Brydges Street, Drury Lane. They accompany him back in a hackney-coach without hesitation, delighted at the prospect of seeing a bailiff punished. Upon entering the lodge, they embrace Miss Williams affectionately by the name of Nancy Williams and ask how long she has been arrested. They offer to swear before a justice of peace that she is not the person mentioned in the writ, having all known the actual Elizabeth Cary. The bailiff, now convinced of his mistake, declines their offer to swear, saying no harm has been done and suggesting he treat them to another bottle before they part as friends. Miss Williams indignantly refuses this meager recompense, declaring it no compensation for the damage to her character and health from being wrongfully dragged to jail. She warns that at this rate, no innocent person is safe when an officer of justice may injure and oppress through malice, pique, or mistake, and that she knows how to procure redress. The bailiff, finding himself dealing with someone who will not be imposed upon, becomes sullen and perplexed, cursing their landlady for misinforming him.

Discharged from Custody

After much wrangling and swearing, the matter is referred to the turnkey’s decision. He calls for another bottle and mulcts the bailiff in all the liquor consumed, coach hire, and a couple of guineas for the plaintiff’s use. The money is immediately deposited, and Miss Williams gratifies the two evidences with one half of the guineas while keeping the other for herself. She and the narrator depart in a coach, leaving the bailiff grumbling over his loss but relieved to have so cheaply escaped a business that might have cost him ten times the sum and his position. The guinea proves a seasonable relief, as the narrator has been reduced to great necessity, having pawned or sold six of his shirts and almost all his clothes for their maintenance.