but
I was conscious of incapacity to sleep. I was desirous of escaping, as
soon as possible, from this tainted atmosphere, and reflected whether
any thing remained to be done respecting Wallace.

It now occurred to me that this youth must have left some clothes and
papers, and, perhaps, books. The property of these was now vested in the
Hadwins. I might deem myself, without presumption, their representative
or agent. Might I not take some measures for obtaining possession, or at
least for the security, of these articles?

The house and its furniture were tenantless and unprotected. It was
liable to be ransacked and pillaged by those desperate ruffians of whom
many were said to be hunting for spoil even at a time like this. If
these should overlook this dwelling, Thetford's unknown successor or
heir might appropriate the whole. Numberless accidents might happen to
occasion the destruction or embezzlement of what belonged to Wallace,
which might be prevented by the conduct which I should now pursue.

Immersed in these perplexities, I remained bewildered and motionless. I
was at length roused by some one knocking at the door. Austin obeyed the
signal, and instantly returned, leading in--Mr. Hadwin!

I know not whether this unlooked-for interview excited on my part most
grief or surprise. The motive of his coming was easily divined. His
journey was on two accounts superfluous. He whom he sought was dead. The
duty of ascertaining his condition I had assigned to myself.

I now perceived and deplored the error of which I had been guilty, in
concealing my intended journey from my patron. Ignorant of the part I
had acted, he had rushed into the jaws of this pest, and endangered a
life unspeakably valuable to his children and friends. I should
doubtless have obtained his grateful consent to the project which I had
conceived; but my wretched policy had led me into this clandestine path.
Secrecy may seldom be a crime. A virtuous intention may produce it; but
surely it is always erroneous and pernicious.

My friend's astonishment at the sight of me was not inferior to my own.
The causes which led to this unexpected interview were mutually
explained. To soothe the agonies of his child, he consented to approach
the city, and endeavour to procure intelligence of Wallace. When he
left his house, he intended to stop in the environs, and hire some
emissary, whom an ample reward might tempt to enter the city, and
procure the informa