My reflections, on the way, were sufficiently employed in tracing the
consequences of my project; in computing the inconveniences and dangers
to which I was preparing to subject myself; in fortifying my courage
against the influence of rueful sights and abrupt transitions; and in
imagining the measures which it would be proper to pursue in every
emergency.

Connected as these views were with the family and character of
Thetford, I could not but sometimes advert to those incidents which
formerly happened. The mercantile alliance between him and Welbeck was
remembered; the allusions which were made to the condition of the latter
in the chamber-conversation of which I was an unsuspected auditor; and
the relation which these allusions might possess with subsequent
occurrences. Welbeck's property was forfeited. It had been confided to
the care of Thetford's brother. Had the cause of this forfeiture been
truly or thoroughly explained? Might not contraband articles have been
admitted through the management or under the connivance of the brothers?
and might not the younger Thetford be furnished with the means of
purchasing the captured vessel and her cargo,--which, as usual, would be
sold by auction at a fifth or tenth of its real value?

Welbeck was not alive to profit by the detection of this artifice,
admitting these conclusions to be just. My knowledge will be useless to
the world; for by what motives can I be influenced to publish the truth?
or by whom will my single testimony be believed, in opposition to that
plausible exterior, and, perhaps, to that general integrity, which
Thetford has maintained? To myself it will not be unprofitable. It is a
lesson on the principles of human nature; on the delusiveness of
appearances; on the perviousness of fraud; and on the power with which