to each other. I pledge you my honour, that not a being shall ever
hear of our correspondence from me, and am persuaded that I may
count upon the same secresy on your part, if you adopt my plan.
Meantime, that you may form some idea, I will give you an abstract
from my life."--(It followed.)



CHAPTER XXXIV.



The reader, however deficient in the imaginative organ, may easily
conceive the electric effect of such a letter upon the nerves of a
poor prisoner, not of the most savage disposition, but possessing an
affectionate and gregarious turn of mind. I felt already an
affection for the unknown; I pitied his misfortunes, and was
grateful for the kind expressions he made use of. "Yes," exclaimed
I, "your generous purpose shall be effected. I wish my letters may
afford you consolation equal to that which I shall derive from
yours."

I re-perused his letter with almost boyish delight, and blessed the
writer; there was not an expression which did not exhibit evidence
of a clear and noble mind.

The sun was setting, it was my hour of prayer; I felt the presence
of God; how sincere was my gratitude for his providing me with new
means of exercising the faculties of my mind. How it revived my
recollection of all the invaluable blessings he had bestowed upon