m the time of my leaving my chamber till I
regained it. I might deceive you by asserting that nothing remarkable
occurred; but this would be false, and every sacrifice is trivial which
is made upon the altar of sincerity. Besides, the time may come when no
inconvenience will arise from minute descriptions of the objects which I
now saw, and of the reasonings and inferences which they suggested to my
understanding. At present, it appears to be my duty to pass them over in
silence; but it would be needless to conceal from you that the interval,
though short, and the scrutiny, though hasty, furnished matter which my
curiosity devoured with unspeakable eagerness, and from which
consequences may hereafter flow, deciding on my peace and my life.

Nothing, however, occurred which could detain me long in this spot. I
once more sought the lower story and threw myself on the bed which I had
left. My mind was thronged with the images flowing from my late
adventure. My fever had gradually increased, and my thoughts were
deformed by inaccuracy and confusion.

My heart did not sink when I reverted to my own condition. That I should
quickly be disabled from moving, was readily perceived. The foresight of
my destiny was steadfast and clear. To linger for days in this
comfortless solitude, to ask in vain, not for powerful restoratives or
alleviating cordials, but for water to moisten my burning lips and abate
the torments of thirst; ultimately to expire in torpor or frenzy, was
the fate to which I looked forward; yet I was not terrified. I seemed to
be sustained by a preternatural energy. I felt as if the opportunity of
combating such evils was an enviable privilege, and, though none would
witness my victorious magnanimity, yet to be conscious that praise was
my due was all that my ambition required.

These sentiments were doubtless tokens of delirium. The excruciating
agonies which now seized upon my head, and the cord which seemed to be
drawn across my breast, and which, as my fancy imagined, was tightened
by some forcible hand, with a view to strangle me, were incompatible
with sober and coherent views.

Thirst was the evil which chiefly oppressed me. The means of relief was
pointed out by nature and habit. I rose, and determined to replenish my
pitcher at the well. It was easier, however, to descend than to return.
My limbs refused to bear me, and I sat down upon the lower step of the
staircase. Several hours had elapsed since my