le
that Thetford and he whose chamber conversation I had overheard were
different persons. I endeavoured in vain to ascertain their identity by
a comparison of their voices. The words lately heard, my remembrance
did not enable me certainly to pronounce to be uttered by the same
organs.

This uncertainty was of little moment. It sufficed that Welbeck was
designated by this appellation, and that therefore he was proved to be
the subject of some fraudulent proceeding. The information that I
possessed it was my duty to communicate as expeditiously as possible. I
was resolved to employ the first opportunity that offered for this end.

My meditations had been ardently pursued, and, when I recalled my
attention, I found myself bewildered among fields and fences. It was
late before I extricated myself from unknown paths, and reached home.

I entered the parlour; but Welbeck was not there. A table, with
tea-equipage for one person, was set; from which I inferred that Welbeck
was engaged abroad. This belief was confirmed by the report of the
servant. He could not inform me where his master was, but merely that he
should not take tea at home. This incident was a source of vexation and
impatience. I knew not but that delay would be of the utmost moment to
the safety of my friend. Wholly unacquainted as I was with the nature of
his contracts with Thetford, I could not decide whether a single hour
would not avail to obviate the evils that threatened him. Had I known
whither to trace his footsteps, I should certainly have sought an
immediate interview; but, as it was, I was obliged to wait, with what
patience I could collect, for his return to his own house.

I waited hour after hour in vain. The sun declined, and the shades of
evening descended; but Welbeck was still at a distance.

CHAPTER IX.

Welbeck did not return, though hour succeeded hour till the clock struck
ten. I inquired of the servants, who informed me that their master was
not accustomed to stay out so late. I seated myself at a table, in a
parlour, on which there stood a light, and listened for the signal of
his coming, either by the sound of steps on the pavement without or by a
peal from the bell. The silence was uninterrupted and profound, and each
minute added to my sum of impatience and anxiety.

To relieve myself from the heat of the weather, which was aggravated by
the condition of my thoughts, as well as to beguile this tormenting
interval, it