ded by a tide of new sensations. The weight
that incommoded my brows and my stomach was suddenly increased. My brain
was usurped by some benumbing power, and my limbs refused to support me.
My pulsations were quickened, and the prevalence of fever could no
longer be doubted.

Till now, I had entertained a faint hope that my indisposition would
vanish of itself. This hope was at an end. The grave was before me, and
my projects of curiosity or benevolence were to sink into oblivion. I
was not bereaved of the powers of reflection. The consequences of lying
in the road, friendless and unprotected, were sure. The first passenger
would notice me, and hasten to summon one of those carriages which are
busy night and day in transporting its victims to the hospital.

This fate was, beyond all others, abhorrent to my imagination. To hide
me under some roof, where my existence would be unknown and unsuspected,
and where I might perish unmolested and in quiet, was my present wish.
Thetford's or Medlicote's might afford me such an asylum, if it were
possible to reach it.

I made the most strenuous exertions; but they could not carry me forward
more than a hundred paces. Here I rested on steps, which, on looking up,
I perceived to belong to Welbeck's house.

This incident was unexpected. It led my reflections into a new train. To
go farther, in the present condition of my frame, was impossible. I was
well acquainted with this dwelling. All its avenues were closed. Whether
it had remained unoccupied since my flight from it, I could not decide.
It was evident that, at present, it was without inhabitants. Possibly it
might have continued in the same condition in which Welbeck had left it.
Beds or sofas might be found, on which a sick man might rest, and be
fearless of intrusion.

This inference was quickly overturned by the obvious supposition that
every avenue was bolted and locked. This, however, might not be the
condition of the bath-house, in which there was nothing that required to
be guarded with unusual precautions. I was suffocated by inward and
scorched by external heat; and the relief of bathing and drinking
appeared inestimable.

The value of this prize, in addition to my desire to avoid the
observation of passengers, made me exert all my remnant of strength.
Repeated efforts at length enabled me to mount the wall; and placed me,
as I imagined, in security. I swallowed large draughts of water as soon
as I could reach th