ector died, and, to my
astonishment, I was put into his place. I could not imagine why I was
thus so fortunate in being promoted, but I afterwards found out that,
although I had never but casually seen her, I was indebted for my good
fortune to a fancy which the director's eldest daughter (for he had
his family with him) had taken for me.

This was singular, for I had never spoken to her, and what is more
strange, I never did speak to her, nor did she ever attempt to speak
to me, so that it was wholly disinterested on her part. I had now
still less to do, and was in constant communication with the director,
and one day stated to him how it was that I had been brought there. He
told me that he believed me, but could not help me, and after that,
the subject was never again mentioned between us. Having little to do,
I now took up the Bible given me by the old Englishman, as I had time
to read it, which I had not before, when I was employed the whole day;
but now I had a convenient cottage, as I may call it, of my own, and
plenty of leisure and retirement.

I studied the Bible carefully, and found much comfort in it. Not that
I was content with my lot--that I never could be while I was separated
from Amy--but still I found much consolation, and I became, to a
certain degree, resigned. I thought of my former life with disgust,
and this second reading of the Bible, for the reader may recollect
that the first took place when I was first confined in the Tower, was
certainly of great advantage to me. I had more time to dwell upon
it--more time for reflection and self-examination--and every day I
reaped more advantage and became more worthy of the name of Christian.
I now prayed fervently, and I think my prayers were heard, as you, my
dear Madam, will also think as I continue my narrative. About three
months after I had been appointed an inspector, Ingram was taken ill.
At first he complained of disordered bowels, but in a few days
inflammation came on, which ended in mortification. He was in great
agony until the mortification took place, when he obtained comparative
relief.

"My dear Mr. Musgrave," he said, as I was at his bed-side, "in a few
hours I shall have escaped from the mines, and be no more in bondage.
I shall follow the poor old Englishman, who left you his executor. I
am about to do the same. I shall now make my will verbally, as we have
no writing-materials here, and leave you all I possess."

"Why are you not