the
reduction of weight which would take place in cutting it, and, after a
consultation, I was offered L38,000. I considered this an offer that I
ought not to refuse, and I closed with them. The next day the affair
was settled. I received money and bills on government to the amount,
and wrote to Philip telling him what had taken place. Strange that
from two slaves in the mines I should have received such valuable
legacies; from poor Ingram a diamond worth so much money, and from the
other Englishman a tattered Bible which made me a sincere Christian--a
legacy in comparison of which the diamond was as dross.

Philip replied to my letter congratulating me on the sale of the
diamond, and informing me that to his letter he had received a reply
containing so satisfactory an account of Amy's restored health, that
he had written to tell them that I had arrived safe in England, and
would be very soon with them. He recommended my going immediately, as
the anxiety and suspense would be very injurious to Amy's health. I
therefore made every arrangement for my departure, purchased horses,
and procured four stout serving men, well armed, to accompany me, and
wrote a letter, which I sent by an express courier, stating the exact
day which I expected to arrive at Mr. Trevannion's country seat.

I waited in London two days to wind up all my affairs, and to give
time for the express to arrive before me, as I intended to travel very
fast. My stay in London was the occasion of an important discovery. I
was at the coffee-house at St. Paul's, and was talking with one of
Captain Levee's officers, with whom I had picked up an acquaintance,
when on his calling me by the name of Musgrave, a pinched-up sort of
looking personage, in a black suit, who was standing at the
bay-window, turned round, and coming up to me said, "Sir, as a
stranger I must apologize, but hearing your friend call you by the
name of Musgrave, may I venture to ask if you are any relative to Sir
Richard Musgrave, Baronet, who lived in Cumberland?"

"Lived, did you say, Sir? Is he then dead?"

"Yes, Sir; he has been dead these last seven months, and we are
looking out for his heir and cannot find him."

"I knew the family very well," replied I, "for I am connected with it.
His eldest son, Richard, of course, must be his heir, as all the
estates are entailed."

"His eldest son, Richard, Sir, is dead. We have authenticated
documents to prove that; and, moreover, his secon