brous, was deposited
with the articles of least value, in the charge of Mr Dragwell; the
remainder was taken away by Newton, until he could find a more secure
place for their deposit. On their arrival at Liverpool, with little
money and no friends, Nicholas rented a small shop; and Newton having
extended his leave of absence to the furthest, that he might contribute
to his father's comfort, returned to Overton, to resume the command of
the sloop. The first object was to call at the asylum, where he was
informed that his mother was much less violent, but in so weak a state
that he could not be admitted. Doctor Beddington had not returned; but
a medical gentleman, who had been called in during his absence, stated
to Newton, that he had no doubt if his mother should recover from her
present state of exhaustion, that her reason would be restored. Newton
returned to Overton with a lightened heart, and the next day sailed in
the sloop for Bristol. Contrary winds detained him more than a
fortnight on his passage. On his arrival, his cargo was not ready, and
Newton amused himself by walking about the town and its environs. At
last his cargo was on board; and Newton, who was most anxious to
ascertain the fate of his mother, made all haste to obtain his clearance
and other papers from the Custom-house. It was late in the evening
before he had settled with the house to which the sloop had been
consigned; but, as the wind and tide served, and there was a bright
moon, he resolved to weigh that night. With his papers carefully
buttoned in his coat, he was proceeding to the boat at the jetty, when
he was seized by two men, who rushed upon him from behind. He hardly
had time to look round to ascertain the cause, when a blow on the head
stretched him senseless on the ground.

Now, my readers may probably feel some little distress at the misfortune
of Newton, and have some slight degree of curiosity to know the grounds
of this severe treatment. I, on the contrary, am never more pleased
than when I find my principal character in a state of abeyance, and
leave him so with the greatest indifference, because it suits my
convenience. I have now an opportunity of returning to Mrs Forster, or
any other of the parties who act a subordinate part in my narrative;
and, as Newton is down on the ground, and _hors de combat_, why there
let him lie--until I want him again.

Doctor Beddington returned home long before the recovery of Mrs Fo