all the memoranda
which they had collected, and satisfactorily proving that the
descendants of the Europeans then existing could not by any possibility
be from those who had been lost in the _Grosvenor_ East-Indiaman.

Sir Charles Wilmot listened in silence to all Alexander had to say, and
then, joining his hands above the bed-clothes, exclaimed, "Gracious
Lord, I thank thee that this weight has been removed from my mind." He
then for some minutes prayed in silence, and when he had finished, he
requested Alexander to leave him till the evening.

The physician having called shortly after Alexander left his uncle,
Alexander requested his opinion as to Sir Charles's state of health.
The former replied--

"He has but one complaint, my dear sir, which all the remedies in the
world are not very likely to remove: it is the natural decay of nature,
arising from old age. I do not consider that he is in any immediate
danger of dissolution. I think it very likely that he may never rise
from his bed again; but, at the same time, he may remain bed-ridden for
months. He sinks very gradually, for he has had naturally a very strong
constitution. I believe the anxiety of his mind, arising from your
absence, and the blame he laid on himself for having allowed you to
undertake your expedition, have worn him more than anything else; but
now that you have returned, I have no doubt, after the first excitement
is over, that he will rally. Still man is born to die, Mr Wilmot, and
your uncle has already lived beyond the threescore years and ten
allotted to the average age of man. Depend upon it, everything shall be
done which can protract a life so dear to you."

Alexander thanked the physician, and the latter then went up-stairs to
Sir Charles. On his return, he informed Alexander that Sir Charles's
pulse was stronger, but that something must be allowed for the
excitement which he had undergone.

When Alexander saw his uncle in the evening, the latter again thanked
him for having undertaken the expedition, and having brought back such
satisfactory accounts.

"I am much your debtor, my dear boy," said he; "and if it is any
satisfaction to you (which I am sure it must be from your kind heart) to
know that you have smoothed the death-bed of one who loves you, you have
your reward. I feel quite strong now; and if it will not be too much
trouble, I should like you to give me a narrative of the whole
expedition; not all at once, but