The morn had scarcely dawned when Mr. Fitzwarren arose to count over the cash and settle the business for that day. He had just entered the counting-house, and seated himself at the desk, when somebody came, tap, tap, at the door. ‘Who’s there?’ said Mr. Fitzwarren. ‘A friend,’ answered the other. ‘What friend can come at this unseasonable time?’ ‘A real friend is never unseasonable,’ answered the other. ‘I come to bring you good news of your ship Unicorn.’ The merchant bustled up in such a hurry that he forgot his gout; instantly opened the door, and who should be seen waiting but the captain and factor, with a cabinet of jewels, and a bill of lading, for which the merchant lifted up his eyes and thanked heaven for sending him such a prosperous voyage. Then they told him the adventures of the cat, and showed him the cabinet of jewels which they had brought for Mr. Whittington. Upon which he cried out with great earnestness, but not in the most poetical manner:
And call him Mr. Whittington by name.’
