Bramin. As Gourah was of the same opinion, we continued our way; and had not gone far when we reached a thatched dwelling, which we knew from its appearance to belong to one of those recluses. The venerable old man was himself seated at a small distance, when Gourah, who was spokesman, advancing towards him, said, Father, bestow on us poor wanderers some food for charity: we have travelled far, and are almost sinking with fatigue and hunger.' "The Bramin rose and said, Ye are welcome to share what I possess ;' and leading the way into his hut, placed boiled rice and roots before us. The apparent sanctity, charity, and whole demeanor in the old man made me judge we were fallen into good hands; and in our conversation after our vegetable dinner, I ventured to ask him whether he was a subject of Heider Cawn, or Doual Saab. 66 6 Though I dwell,' said he, on the boundaries of both kingdoms, I was born on the state appertaining to the father of Doual Saab; and though the people under that prince enjoy every comfort a nation can expect from a governor, yet as man's life is short, and his errors many, I retired hither in order to shun those enticements to folly I must otherwise encounter. The wholesome fruits of the earth provoke no hard-to-be-restrained passions, nor doth the water of the brook bereave us of reason. I have no money, nor have I use for any-what I have I freely give. My hand is against no man, and no man's hand is against me; here I live in peace, and trust to die the same.' "I was on the point of replying to this respectable man, when, from the echoes of the rocks, I thought I could discover at a distance the sound of martial music. - Gourah heard it as well as myself, and trembled universally; while the youthful Ali, clasping my neck, exclaimed, Alas! I shall never more see my dear father and mother! It is the music of my cruel cousin! But he shall kill me before he tears me from your arms.' "Ali's words, and our dangerous situation, made concealment superfluous; I therefore related, in few words, the truth to the Bramin, who appeared, while I spoke, to examine us with the most minute exactness The relation was here interrupted by the entrance of supper, and the conclusion, greatly to the disappointment of the young people, obliged to be deferred. CHAP. XXIII. RETURN TO LONDON. AN EXCURSION TO CHEL UNCOMMON VALOUR OF MRS. SEA. A VISIT TO THE COLLEGE AND THE CHARLES and Mary were equally anx ious on the following morning, to hear the conclusion of Mr. Williams's story; but met with a disappointment, as their father received a letter which required his immediate attendance. "Dear me, papa!" said Mary, when alone with her father and brother, "how provoking! I wished greatly to have heard the conclusion of Mr. Williams's relation and now we must go to town!" I "Though I wish it equally with yourself, Mary," answered her father, “ "yet cannot help smiling when I recollect how displeased you appeared when Mr. Williams was first announced; yet you 17 find he now interests you more than any thing else. Is not this a certain proof that we should never form hasty judgments? This jaunt to town may be equally productive; or should it not, we shall at least return equally curious." Mr. Richardson intreated Mr. Williams, in so friendly a manner, to use his house at Acton while convenient, that he accepted his invitation, saying, that until Mr. Richardson's return, he would endeavour to form a more intimate acquaintance with his nephew and niece. The coach being ready, Mr. Richardson departed for London, where he was so much engaged for nearly a week, that he could not share in any of the pursuits. of the young people. At length he informed them, that he was at leisure to pass a day or two in the country, and both entered the carriage with great glee, but felt some little drawback on their pleasures, when Mr. Rich |