As his aged relatives travelled slowly, he was enabled to reach Exeter before them, and arrange every thing for their comfort in such a manner, that he hoped the climate would be as much for their advantage as their long journey might be to the contrary; and even before their arrival he placed them under the care of Mr. Kingden, as a medical adviser, on whose skill and kindness they might rely. He had great satisfaction in receiving them comparatively well, but they saw in him a change that was positively distressing; he was grown old with sorrow and ceaseless anxiety; and the rapidity with which he paced the rooms, the hurried way in which he swallowed his victuals, and his wandering gaze—all told them that till the worst was ascertained for him, there could be no peace; therefore they entreated him to resume those inquiries likely to be best prosecuted in Cornwall, about the Land's End and the Needles.
When he was gone, often would they consult on the propriety of releasing him from his promise, and forwarding him in a voyage to the Spanish coast; but the weather, which had been favourable, was again tempestuous, and they durst not commit their last treasure to the stormy deep, which they fully believed had engulphed his beloved brother. Their sorrow was beginning to take great effect on both, for their hearts were far younger than could
