The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete Read online

  Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger

  THE ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND COUNT FATHOM

  by Tobias Smollett

  COMPLETE IN TWO PARTS

  PART I.

  With the Author's Preface, and an Introduction by G. H. Maynadier, Ph.D.Department of English, Harvard University.

  CONTENTS

  INTRODUCTION

  PREFATORY ADDRESS

  CHAPTER I Some sage Observations that naturally introduce our important History II A superficial View of our Hero's Infancy III He is initiated in a Military Life, and has the good Fortune to acquire a generous Patron IV His Mother's Prowess and Death; together with some Instances of his own Sagacity V A brief Detail of his Education VI He meditates Schemes of Importance VII Engages in Partnership with a female Associate, in order to put his Talents in Action VIII Their first Attempt; with a Digression which some Readers may think impertinent IX The Confederates change their Battery, and achieve a remarkable Adventure X They proceed to levy Contributions with great Success, until our Hero sets out with the young Count for Vienna, where he enters into League with another Adventurer XI Fathom makes various Efforts in the World of Gallantry XII He effects a Lodgment in the House of a rich Jeweller XIII He is exposed to a most perilous Incident in the Course of his Intrigue with the Daughter XIV He is reduced to a dreadful Dilemma, in consequence of an Assignation with the Wife XV But at length succeeds in his Attempt upon both XVI His Success begets a blind Security, by which he is once again well-nigh entrapped in his Dulcinea's Apartment XVII The Step-dame's Suspicions being awakened, she lays a Snare for our Adventurer, from which he is delivered by the Interposition of his Good Genius XVIII Our Hero departs from Vienna, and quits the Domain of Venus for the rough Field of Mars XIX He puts himself under the Guidance of his Associate, and stumbles upon the French Camp, where he finishes his Military Career XX He prepares a Stratagem, but finds himself countermined-- Proceeds on his Journey, and is overtaken by a terrible Tempest XXI He falls upon Scylla, seeking to avoid Charybdis. XXII He arrives at Paris, and is pleased with his Reception XXIII Acquits himself with Address in a Nocturnal Riot XXIV He overlooks the Advances of his Friends, and smarts severely for his Neglect XXV He bears his Fate like a Philosopher; and contracts acquaintance with a very remarkable Personage XXVI The History of the Noble Castilian XXVII A flagrant Instance of Fathom's Virtue, in the Manner of his Retreat to England XXVIII Some Account of his Fellow-Travellers XXIX Another providential Deliverance from the Effects of the Smuggler's ingenious Conjecture XXX The singular Manner of Fathom's Attack and Triumph over the Virtue of the fair Elenor XXXI He by accident encounters his old Friend, with whom he holds a Conference, and renews a Treaty XXXII He appears in the great World with universal Applause and Admiration XXXIII He attracts the Envy and Ill Offices of the minor Knights of his own Order, over whom he obtains a complete Victory XXXIV He performs another Exploit, that conveys a true Idea of his Gratitude and Honour XXXV He repairs to Bristol Spring, where he reigns paramount during the whole Season XXXVI He is smitten with the Charms of a Female Adventurer, whose Allurements subject him to a new Vicissitude of Fortune XXXVII Fresh Cause for exerting his Equanimity and Fortitude XXXVIII The Biter is Bit