Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/187

 yond my income. Subject to so many jealous eyes, we must have the "wisdom of the serpent" to escape our enemies."

Heli departed with a countenance so changed from the gloom and anxiety which had for some time pervaded his features, that even Ferdinand was surprised at the alteration, and the Count viewed him with wonder and curiosity. When he had left the apartment, Ferdinand quickly informed his friend of their agreeable prospects, from the proposals of Heli. The Count was not less pleased than himself, but could not help observing, that they were more indebted to the selfish gratifications of the proposer, than to his generosity.

"This man's conduct," said he, "confirms the opinion I have early been taught to hold of the Turks, that in their dealings with us, they are selfish, deceitful, and avaricious. Was it not Heli's interest to escape from this country, I believe we should owe him no obligations, either for our liberty or lives, if