my representations and counsels, and acknowledged their
propriety. He put himself under my protection and guidance, and promised
to conform implicitly to my directions. His strength had sufficed to
bring him thus far, but was now utterly exhausted. The task of searching
for a carriage and horse devolved upon me.

In effecting this purpose, I was obliged to rely upon my own ingenuity
and diligence. Wallace, though so long a resident in the city, knew not
to whom I could apply, or by whom carriages were let to hire. My own
reflections taught me, that this accommodation was most likely to be
furnished by innkeepers, or that some of those might at least inform me
of the best measures to be taken. I resolved to set out immediately on
this search. Meanwhile, Wallace was persuaded to take refuge in
Medlicote's apartments; and to make, by the assistance of Austin, the
necessary preparation for his journey.

The morning had now advanced. The rays of a sultry sun had a sickening
and enfeebling influence beyond any which I had ever experienced. The
drought of unusual duration had bereft the air and the earth of every
particle of moisture. The element which I breathed appeared to have
stagnated into noxiousness and putrefaction. I was astonished at
observing the enormous diminution of my strength. My brows were heavy,
my intellects benumbed, my sinews enfeebled, and my sensations
universally unquiet.

These prognostics were easily interpreted. What I chiefly dreaded was,
that they would disable me from executing the task which I had
undertaken. I summoned up all my resolution, and cherished a disdain of
yielding to this ignoble destiny. I reflected that the source of all
energy, and even of life, is seated in thought; that nothing is arduous
to human efforts; that the external frame will seldom languish, while
actuated by an unconquerable soul.

I fought against my dreary feelings, which pulled me to the earth. I
quickened my pace, raised my drooping eyelids, and hummed a cheerful and
favourite air. For all that I accomplished during this day, I believe
myself indebted to the strenuousness and ardour of my resolutions.

I went from one tavern to another. One was deserted; in another the
people were sick, and their attendants refused to hearken to my
inquiries or offers; at a third, their horses were engaged. I was
determined to prosecute my search as long as an inn or a livery-stable
remained unexamined, and my strength would