The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. I

and abilities, they ought rather to guard his bosom from so contemptible an inmate, than implant it there. It is a passion insult

pier-head at Yarmouth, on their return to the Argo man of war, then stationed in the roads. Already were they in the boat which was to convey th

id Lieutenant Harland,

t take me with you," said the youth,

k him over!" cried the

he deserve it, it ought to be granted: if he do not, we have no right t

being informed by his nephew of his conduct to the stranger, he expressed his approbation, at the same time desiring to see him. The youth was accordingly summoned. He entered the cabin with a modest bo

armouth, young man?

come from

ell me, who is your fat

youth, "My name is-(he faltered

y depression on hearing the name of the youth; but returned with redoubled glow as

replied St. Ledger, dashi

ity,-no secrecy, attend your birth?" "Neither, sir; my birth was honourable; welcomed

res, on this information: he sighed deeply, and, lean

s nephew expressing his surprise at the

he Captain; "there is some

d Lieutenant Harland: "to judge by that, I sho

ures more than commonly handsome and expressive: at the insinuation of Harland, a momentary spark of passion suffused his cheek; but, looking at his dress, he suppressed a sigh, and with an air of in

edger

ontinued the Captain, "you are welcome to remain

haughtiness. "Were he to have his deserts, sir, I b

r distance, young man, or take my word, my friendship

k likewise retired, leaving the Lieutenant highly incensed at the reproof he

rvance and obedience few were willing to pay. The Captain's profession of friendship to St. Ledger, after he had so openly avowed his disapprobation of that youth, he looked on as an insult offered to himself, and as such determined to show his resentment by treating him with every mark of contempt in his power. This behaviour, however, failed in the desired effect; and, instead of degrading St. Ledger, was the means o

re who he was; neither could he be induced to appear when any strangers visited that gentleman; when one day, being importun

on can you have been guilty, that like a midnight assassin,

is not the only one who has cause for fear. He who meets the ha

good an opinion of you to think you guilty of any crime which could render you undeserving of the protecti

ture, though hurt at the reproach he th

conjectures respecting St. Ledger, never thought of interrupting; and on being landed they silently pursued their way till they arrived at th

as to know who he is, or his reason for wishing to be concealed. If he would intrust me with the

tion. On being announced, a gentleman, who was seated with their i

is it my friend Crawton I have

swered the Captain, with emotion; "

ckness, "were you ever acquainted w

ely it is.-It is my old friend Talton himself! Yet scarcely can I cre

years that have intervened since last we beheld each other, and a va

erable portion of his happiness, diffused itself to the bosoms of all, and some time elapsed ere he thought

pressing a wish to hear his relation, Mr. Talt

in my history, as there is not any circumstance in the whole, but what daily and hourly happens t

leave England; as I doubt not you well remember the death of my guardian, and the villany of my steward

my lands. I carried sufficient proofs of my identity and the validity of my claim; but, irritated to the highest degree

intention of maintaining possession from that period. He heard me with an affectation of surprise; and then, with the greatest effrontery, said-'You the son of the late honourable Alric Talton, and the owner of these plantations! This

of my claim, and menaced him with the utmost severity of the law; whilst he in return

king redress from the Governor. This I told them they were welcome to do, but I should remain

ee those papers concerning his stewardship, and which as of most consequence in my cause I carried about my person, torn to pieces and consumed! Then regarding me with a sarcastic grin-

there unbound, and I was left to the solitary comfort of a bed of reeds. The first violence of passion subsiding, I perceived the folly of my late behaviour; and, as I doubted not my friend

, or stand indicted for my murder. A formal process of law was then commenced against him; the cause finally brought to trial; and, as my witnesses and proofs were indisputable, the verdict pronounced in my favour. But the crafty villain effectually screened

e honestly have amassed money sufficient for the purchase-effectually proved the falsity of this account: but

circumspection, to avoid a continual course of law-suits. During that time my affairs in England had been very little attended to; and as my overseer was a man on whose integrity I could rely, I determined to pay a visit to my native country. I accordingly came to England

e and his daughter, a girl of sixteen; but the offer was rejected with the disdain it merited. He soon after died, and I once more visited England, where some events which have happened, will most probably induce me

ll the period of the Captain's return on board, when he parted