The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 8, Chapter 13 Summary & Analysis

The Man of the Hill continues his story from after meeting Watson at the tavern. The Man of the Hill grows close to Watson but notes that, unlike with some other men, Watson’s gambling seems to only cause him to lose money. One night while they’re gambling and the Man of the Hill is down on his luck, he hears a mob forming nearby. The Man of the Hill finds a wounded man who has been robbed by ruffians. The Man of the Hill takes the wounded man to a tavern and calls for help from a surgeon. All of a sudden, the Man of the Hill recognizes that the injured man is his father. They embrace.

The Man of the Hill’s father encourages him to come home, leaving behind Watson and his crooked life with him. He becomes interested in his studies again and spend four years in contemplation until eventually his father dies. The Man of the Hill’s brother becomes master of the house, and he has very different plans from the Man of the Hill. The man of the Hill leaves, heading to Bath, as he’s heard it will be good for his health.

While at Bath, the Man of the Hill hears a man exclaim that he can no longer bear his life. The man throws himself in the river. Seeking aid from a nearby fisherman, the Man of the Hill manages to get this stranger out of the river and call for a surgeon. As it turns out, however, the man is not a stranger at all, but Watson, who is just beginning to regain consciousness.