If
vehicle or horse were procurable for money, ought it not to be secured
for the use of Wallace himself, whose health required the easiest and
speediest conveyance from this theatre of death? My companion was powerless in mind as in limbs. He seemed unable to
consult upon the means of escaping from the inconveniences by which he
was surrounded. As soon as sufficient strength was regained, he had left
the hospital. To repair to _Malverton_ was the measure which prudence
obviously dictated; but he was hopeless of effecting it. The city was
close at hand; this was his usual home; and hither his tottering and
almost involuntary steps conducted him. He listened to my representations and counsels, and acknowledged their
propriety. He put himself under my protection and guidance, and promised
to conform implicitly to my directions. His strength had sufficed to
bring him thus far, but was now utterly exhausted. The task of searching
for a carriage and horse devolved upon me. In effecting this purpose, I was obliged to rely upon my own ingenuity
and diligence. Wallace, though so long a resident in the city, knew not
to whom I could apply, or by whom carriages were let to hire. My own
reflections taught me, that this accommodation was most likely to be
furnished by innkeepers, or that some of those might at least inform me
of the best measures to be taken. I resolved to set out immediately on
this search. Meanwhile, Wallace was persuaded to take refuge in
Medlicote's apartments; and to make, by the assistance of Austin, the
necessary preparation for his journey. The morning had now advanced. The rays of a sultry sun had a sickening
and enfeebling influence beyond any which I had ever experienced. The
drought of unusual duration had bereft the air and the earth of every
particle of moisture. The element which I breathed appeared to have
stagnated into noxiousness and putrefaction. I was astonished at
observing the enormous diminution of my strength. My brows were heavy,
my intellects benumbed, my sinews enfeebled, and my sensations
universally unquiet. These prognostics were easily interpreted. What I chiefly dreaded was,
that they would disable me from executing the task which I had
undertaken. I summoned up all my resolution, and cherished a disdain of
yielding to this ignoble destiny. I reflected that the source of all
energy, and even of life, is seated in thought; that nothing is arduous
to human efforts; that the external frame will seldom languish, while
actuated by an unconquerable soul. I fought against my dreary feelings, which pulled me to the earth. I
quickened my pace, raised my drooping eyelids, and hummed a cheerful and
favourite air. For all that I accomplished during this day, I believe
myself indebted to the strenuousness and ardour of my resolutions. I went from one tavern to another. One was deserted; in another the
people were sick, and their attendants refused to hearken to my
inquiries or offers; at a third, their horses were engaged. I was
determined to prosecute my search as long as an inn or a livery-stable
remained unexamined, and my strength would permit. To detail the events of this expedition, the arguments and supplications
which I used to overcome the dictates of avarice and fear, the
fluctuation of my hopes and my incessant disappointments, would be
useless. Having exhausted all my expedients ineffectually, I was
compelled to turn my weary steps once more to Medlicote's lodgings. My meditations were deeply engaged by the present circumstances of my
situation. Since the means which were first suggested were
impracticable, I endeavoured to investigate others. Wallace's debility
made it impossible for him to perform this journey on foot; but would
not his strength and his resolution suffice to carry him beyond
Schuylkill? A carriage or horse, though not to be obtained in the city,
could, without difficulty, be procured in the country. Every farmer had
beasts for burden and draught. One of these might be hired, at no
immoderate expense, for half a day. This project appeared so practicable and so specious, that I deeply
regretted the time and the efforts which had already been so fruitlessly
expended. If my project, however, had been mischievous, to review it
with regret was only to prolong and to multiply its mischiefs. I trusted
that time and strength would not be wanting to the execution of this new
design. On entering Medlicote's house, my looks, which, in spite of my languors,
were sprightly and confident, flattered Wallace with the belief that my
exertions had succeeded. When acquainted with their failure, he sunk as
quickly into hopelessness. My new expedient was heard by him with no
marks of satisfaction. It was impossible, he said, to move from this
spot by his own strength. All his powers were exhausted by his walk from
Bush Hill. I endeavoured, by arguments and railleries, to revive his courage. The
pure air of the country would exhilarate him into new life. He might
stop at every fifty yards, and rest upon the green sod. If overtaken by
the night, we would procure a lodging, by address and importunity; but,
if every door should be shut against us, we should at least enjoy the
shelter of some barn, and might diet wholesomely upon the new-laid eggs
that we should find there. The worst treatment we could meet with was
better than continuance in the city. These remonstrances had some influence, and he at length consented to
put his ability to the test. First, however, it was necessary to
invigorate himself by a few hours' rest. To this, though with infinite
reluctance, I consented. This interval allowed him to reflect upon the past, and to inquire into
the fate of Thetford and his family. The intelligence which Medlicote
had enabled me to afford him was heard with more satisfaction than
regret. The ingratitude and cruelty with which he had been treated
seemed to have extinguished every sentiment but hatred and vengeance. I
was willing to profit by this interval to know more of Thetford than I
already possessed. I inquired why Wallace had so perversely neglected
the advice of his uncle and cousin, and persisted to brave so many
dangers when flight was so easy. "I cannot justify my conduct," answered he. "It was in the highest
degree thoughtless and perverse. I was confident and unconcerned as long
as our neighbourhood was free from disease, and as long as I forbore any
communication with the sick; yet I should have withdrawn to Malverton,
merely to gratify my friends, if Thetford had not used the most powerful
arguments to detain me. He laboured to extenuate the danger. "'Why not stay,' said he, 'as long as I and my family stay? Do you think
that we would linger here, if the danger were imminent? As soon as it
becomes so, we will fly. You know that we have a country-house prepared
for our reception. When we go, you shall accompany us. Your services at
this time are indispensable to my affairs.