rendered the insurance ineffectual.

"I bestowed no time in reflecting on this tissue of extortions and
frauds, and on that course of events which so often disconcerts the
stratagems of cunning. The names of Welbeck and Watson were thus
associated together, and filled my thoughts with restlessness and
suspicion. Welbeck was capable of any weakness. It was possible an
interview had happened between these men, and that the fugitive had been
someway instrumental in Watson's fate. These thoughts were mentioned to
Williams, whom the name of Welbeck threw into the utmost perturbation.
On finding that one of this name had dwelt in this city, and that he had
proved a villain, he instantly admitted the most dreary forebodings.

"'I have heard,' said Williams, 'the history of this Welbeck a score of
times from my brother. There formerly subsisted a very intimate
connection between them. My brother had conferred, upon one whom he
thought honest, innumerable benefits; but all his benefits had been
repaid by the blackest treachery. Welbeck's character and guilt had
often been made the subject of talk between us, but, on these occasions,
my brother's placid and patient temper forsook him. His grief for the
calamities which had sprung from this man, and his desire of revenge,
burst all bounds, and transported him to a pitch of temporary frenzy. I
often inquired in what manner he intended to act if a meeting should
take place between them. He answered, that doubtless he should act like
a maniac, in defiance of his sober principles, and of the duty which he
owed his family.

"'What! (said I,) would you stab or pistol him?

"'No. I was not born for an assassin. I would upbraid him in such terms
as the furious moment might suggest, and then challenge him to a
meeting, from which either he or I should not part with life. I would
allow time for him to make his peace with Heaven, and for me to blast
his reputation upon earth, and to make such provision for my possible
death as duty and discretion would prescribe.

"'Now, nothing is more probable than that Welbeck and my brother have
met. Thetford would of course mention his name and interest in the
captured ship, and hence the residence of this detested being in this
city would be made known. Their meeting could not take place without
some dreadful consequence. I am fearful that to that meeting we must
impute the disappearance of my brother.'

CHAPTER XXVII.

"Here was new li