arks of surprise and
satisfaction. He addressed me in a tone of mildness:--

"Young man," said he, "what is thy condition? Art thou sick? If thou
art, thou must consent to receive the best treatment which the times
will afford. These men will convey thee to the hospital at Bush Hill."

The mention of that contagious and abhorred receptacle inspired me with
some degree of energy. "No," said I, "I am not sick; a violent blow
reduced me to this situation. I shall presently recover strength enough
to leave this spot without assistance."

He looked at me with an incredulous but compassionate air:--"I fear thou
dost deceive thyself or me. The necessity of going to the hospital is
much to be regretted, but, on the whole, it is best. Perhaps, indeed,
thou hast kindred or friends who will take care of thee?"

"No," said I; "neither kindred nor friends. I am a stranger in the city.
I do not even know a single being."

"Alas!" returned the stranger, with a sigh, "thy state is sorrowful.
But how camest thou hither?" continued he, looking around him; "and
whence comest thou?"

"I came from the country. I reached the city a few hours ago. I was in
search of a friend who lived in this house."

"Thy undertaking was strangely hazardous and rash; but who is the friend
thou seekest? Was it he who died in that bed, and whose corpse has just
been removed?"

The men now betrayed some impatience; and inquired of the last comer,
whom they called Mr. Estwick, what they were to do. He turned to me, and
asked if I were willing to be conducted to the hospital.

I assured him that I was free from disease, and stood in no need of
assistance; adding, that my feebleness was owing to a stunning blow
received from a ruffian on my temple. The marks of this blow were
conspicuous, and after some hesitation he dismissed the men; who,
lifting the empty coffin on their shoulders, disappeared.

He now invited me to descend into the parlour; "for," said he, "the air
of this room is deadly. I feel already as if I should have reason to
repent of having entered it."

He now inquired into the cause of those appearances which he had
witnessed. I explained my situation as clearly and succinctly as I was
able.

After pondering, in silence, on my story,--"I see how it is," said he;
"the person whom thou sawest in the agonies of death was a stranger. He
was attended by his servant and a hired nurse. His master's death being
certain, the nurse was despatch