Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 2).djvu/95

the bookseller and the author set off to Hicks's. When they were seated, Nincompoop opened: "My valued friend, Scribble, I know I can depend on you in whatever you undertake, and on your recommendation and advice, as well as your services; I prefer you to any of my authors, for your readiness to undertake any thing. Let me see," said he, "what you are all doing for me at present. First, there is biography, the history of Katerfelto and his black cat; "yes, I reckon that one of the best things I ever wrote;" "the life of the noted Charles Price, hanged for forgery; the life and adventures of Hawke the highwayman, and of Macdonald the thief-catcher; but take care of borrowing from the Newgate Calendar. Secondly, travels; tour through Ireland, including picturesque descriptions;" "yes, I got through the bog of Allen in Bunhill-row, and here at