Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/96

 to be accommodated at my uncle's house. The conversation turning on the objects of his journey, he professed himself in search of lucrative employment. My uncle proposed to him to become a teacher, there being a sufficient number of young people in this neighbourhood to afford him occupation and subsistence.

He found it his interest to embrace this proposal. I of course became his pupil, and demeaned myself in such a manner as speedily to grow into a favourite. He communicated to us no part of his early history, but informed us sufficiently of his adventures in Asia and Italy, to make it plain that this was the same person alluded to by Clithero. During his abode among us, his conduct was irreproachable. When he left us, he manifested the most poignant regret; but this originated chiefly in his regard for me. He promised to maintain with me an epistolary intercourse: since his departure, however, I had heard nothing respecting him. It was with unspeakable regret that I now learned the disappointment of his hopes; and was inquisitive respecting the measures which he would adopt in his new situation. Perhaps he would once more return to America, and I should again be admitted to the enjoyment of his society. This event I anticipated with the highest satisfaction.

At present, the fate of the unhappy Clithero was the subject of abundant anxiety. On his suddenly leaving me at the conclusion of his tale, I supposed that he had gone upon one of his usual rambles, and that it would terminate only with the day.

Next morning a message was received from Inglefield, enquiring if any one knew what had become of his servant. I could not listen to this message with tranquillity. I recollected the hints that he had given of some design upon his life, and admitted the most dreary forebodings. I speeded to Inglefield's. Clithero had not returned, they told me, the preceding evening. He had not apprised them of any intention to change his abode: his boxes, and all that composed his slender property, were found in their ordinary state: he had expressed no dissatisfaction with his present condition.