s with a remittance. On reaching Tripoli, that
gentleman will advance what money you may require, and send you to
England the first opportunity. Do not lumber yourself with my books;
leave them behind, as well as the barometer, boxes, and sticks, and
indeed every heavy article you can conveniently part with; give them to
Malam Mudey, who will take care of them. The wages I agreed to give you
my agents will pay, as well as the sum government allowed me for a
servant; you will of course receive it, as Columbus has never served me.
Remark what towns or villages you pass through; pay attention to
whatever the chiefs may say to you, and put it on paper. The little
money I have, and all my clothes, I leave you: sell the latter, and put
what you may receive for them into your pocket; and if, on your journey,
you should be obliged to expend it, government will repay you on your
return." I said, as well as my agitation would permit me, "If it be the
will of God to take you, you may rely on my faithfully performing, as
far as I am able, all that you have desired; but I trust the Almighty
will spare you, and you will yet live to see your country." "I thought
I should at one time, Richard," continued he; "but all is now over;
I shall not be long for this world; but God's will be done." He then
took my hand betwixt his, and looking me full in the face, while a tear
stood glistening in his eye, said, in a low but deeply affecting tone,
"My dear Richard, if you had not been with me, I should have died long
ago; I can only thank you, with my latest breath, for your kindness and
attachment to me, and if I could have lived to return with you, you
should have been placed beyond the reach of want; but God will reward
you." This conversation occupied nearly two hours, in the course of
which my master fainted several times, and was distressed beyond
measure. The same evening he fell into a slumber, from which he awoke
in much perturbation, and said he had heard with much distinctness the
tolling of an English funeral bell: I entreated him to be composed, and
observed that sick people frequently fancy they hear and see things
which can possibly have no existence. He made no reply.
About six o'clock in the morning of the 11th, on asking how he did, my
master answered he was much better, and requested me to shave him. He
had not sufficient strength to lift his head from the pillow; and after
finishing one side of the face, I was obliged to turn
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