Pagina 370 van 483

"I know that the sympathy of a stranger can be but of little

relief to one borne down as you are by so strange a misfortune.

But you will, I hope, soon quit this melancholy abode, for

doubtless evidence can easily be brought to free you from the

criminal charge."

"That is my least concern; I am, by a course of strange events,

become the most miserable of mortals. Persecuted and tortured as

I am and have been, can death be any evil to me?"

"Nothing indeed could be more unfortunate and agonising than the

strange chances that have lately occurred. You were thrown, by

some surprising accident, on this shore, renowned for its

hospitality, seized immediately, and charged with murder. The

first sight that was presented to your eyes was the body of your

friend, murdered in so unaccountable a manner and placed, as it

were, by some fiend across your path."