The Adventures of Roderick Random

Uncle’s Assistance

Learning of the master’s behavior, Uncle Bowling raged and vowed revenge. When the narrator revealed the plot, the uncle approved but questioned their escape plan. “Let me alone for that,” he declared—he would handle the getaway. He prepared the instrument of revenge with skill, ordered their baggage packed a day early, and arranged horses for their flight. When the hour came, the uncle seized the opportunity of the usher’s absence, bolted in, and secured the door. Though the narrator trembled, he summoned his allies. Strap obeyed immediately while the narrator leapt on the master’s back and Strap pulled his leg, bringing the tyrant down as Gawky joined the celebration with a huzza. The uncle bound the master to a post with rope, stripped his back, and administered vigorous punishment with a cat-and-nine-tails, leaving him thrashing and cursing. The usher was bound to his own desk as a spectator while the lieutenant gave the schoolmaster a memorable lesson.

Departure for University

After the ceremony, Uncle Bowling treated the entire company at the public house. He offered to make the usher their ship schoolmaster if he ever commanded a vessel. They parted with many tears and stayed at an inn ten miles short of the university town. Upon arrival the next day, the narrator found satisfactory accommodations with an apothecary who had married a distant relation of his mother. Within days, Uncle Bowling departed for his ship after settling funds for the narrator’s maintenance and education.

第六章

CHAPTER VI

Summary: The narrator makes great progress in his studies and gains popularity in town, attracting the attention of his wealthy female cousins. When he rejects their advances, they conspire against him. His uncle’s misfortune leaves him destitute, and he faces further betrayal and retaliation before challenging Squire Gawky to a duel.