When we had finished our repast, and the horses were ordered out, I happened to take a short walk in front of the house to a sudden turn, where the road that leads to the Debit joins Dundas-Street. As I was looking along it, I perceived at some distance two persons coming towards me. Their appearance indicated that they were strangers who had been landed at the mouth of the river, for they had on great coats, and were carrying between them, by handkerchiefs drawn through the handles, a considerable chest. Had they belonged to the country they would have used a waggon, and it was evident they were poor, or they would have hired one.

The weight of the chest, and their cumbrous clothing, made their progress slow, and their steps heavy. They often rested, sitting down on the lid of their burden, and were evidently greatly fatigued. By the direction in which they were going, I conjectured that Stockwell was their destination, and in consequence went towards them to ascertain the fact, and to advise them to remain at the tavern where I had breakfasted; as in the course of the day a waggon was expected, by which they might be assisted on with their load.

When they observed me approaching, the elder of the two came forward, and before I had distinctly recollected him, though his figure was in my memory, he addressed me by name.