own age. The other was scarcely emerged
from childhood. There was an intellectual as well as a personal
resemblance between my friend and his sisters. They possessed his
physical infirmities, his vehement passions, and refinements of taste;
and the misery of his condition was tenfold increased, by reflecting on
the feelings which would be awakened in them by the knowledge of his
state, and the hardships to which the loss of his succour would expose
them.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

It was not in my power to release my friend by the payment of his debt;
but, by contracting with the keeper of the prison for his board, I could
save him from famine; and, by suitable exertions, could procure him
lodging as convenient as the time would admit. I could promise to
console and protect his sisters, and, by cheerful tones and frequent
visits, dispel some part of the evil which encompassed him.

After the first surprise had subsided, he inquired by what accident this
meeting had been produced. Conscious of my incapacity to do him any
essential service, and unwilling to make me a partaker in his miseries,
he had forborne to inform me of his condition.

This assurance was listened to with some wonder. I showed him the
billet. It had not been written by him. He was a stranger to the
penmanship. None but the attorney and officer were apprized of his fate.
It was obvious to conclude, that this was the interposition of some
friend, who, knowing my affection for Carlton, had taken this mysterious
method of calling me to his succour.

Conjectures as to the author and motives of this inter position were
suspended by more urgent considerations. I requested an interview with
the keeper, and inquired how Carlton could be best accommodated.

He said that all his rooms were full but one, which, in consequence of
the dismission of three persons in the morning, had at present but one
tenant. This person had lately arrived, was sick, and had with him, at
this time, one of his friends. Carlton might divide the chamber with
this person. No doubt his consent would be readily given; though this
arrangement, being the best, must take place whether he consented or
not.

This consent I resolved immediately to seek, and, for that purpose,
desired to be led to the chamber. The door of the apartment was shut. I
knocked for admission. It was instantly opened, and I entered. The first
person who met my view was--Arthur Mervyn.

I started with astonishm