tion which was needed.

No one could be prevailed upon to execute so dangerous a service. Averse
to return without performing his commission, he concluded to examine for
himself. Thetford's removal to this street was known to him; but, being
ignorant of my purpose, he had not mentioned this circumstance to me,
during our last conversation.

I was sensible of the danger which Hadwin had incurred by entering the
city. Perhaps my knowledge of the inexpressible importance of his life
to the happiness of his daughters made me aggravate his danger. I knew
that the longer he lingered in this tainted air, the hazard was
increased. A moment's delay was unnecessary. Neither Wallace nor myself
were capable of being benefited by his presence.

I mentioned the death of his nephew as a reason for hastening his
departure. I urged him in the most vehement terms to remount his horse
and to fly; I endeavoured to preclude all inquiries respecting myself or
Wallace; promising to follow him immediately, and answer all his
questions at _Malverton_. My importunities were enforced by his own
fears, and, after a moment's hesitation, he rode away.

The emotions produced by this incident were, in the present critical
state of my frame, eminently hurtful. My morbid indications suddenly
returned. I had reason to ascribe my condition to my visit to the
chamber of Maravegli; but this and its consequences to myself, as well
as the journey of Hadwin, were the fruits of my unhappy secrecy.

I had always been accustomed to perform my journeys on foot. This, on
ordinary occasions, was the preferable method, but now I ought to have
adopted the easiest and swiftest means. If Hadwin had been acquainted
with my purpose he would not only have approved, but would have allowed
me, the use of a horse. These reflections were rendered less pungent by
the recollection that my motives were benevolent, and that I had
endeavoured the benefit of others by means which appeared to me most
suitable.

Meanwhile, how was I to proceed? What hindered me from pursuing the
footsteps of Hadwin with all the expedition which my uneasiness, of
brain and stomach, would allow? I conceived that to leave any thing
undone, with regard to Wallace, would be absurd. His property might be
put under the care of my new friend. But how was it to be distinguished
from the property of others? It was, probably, contained in trunks,
which were designated by some label or mark. I was unacquain