146 LIFE OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. VI. 



and so forth, making all sorts of geographical discoveries, 

 especially concerning the existence and site of turnpike 

 gates and toll-bars, which have now acquired an interest in 

 my eyes equal to that they have in my purse. I shall be 

 in town in a fortnight, and there is no saying whither I may 

 penetrate in my shandrydan. If you have any interest in 

 my welfare still remaining, you may keep a sharp look-out 

 for a little horse of a sort of ginger colour, the lightest 

 brown, cream-colour with a slight dash of brown over it." 



The sea-side residence, rest, and simpler appliances, all 

 proved ineffectual. Nature had not strength to work a 

 cure where the evil had become so deeply seated. George's 

 father had suffered much in the same way for years, rheu- 

 matism throughout the body ultimately settling in the ankle 

 joints. In his case it had been thoroughly cured by care 

 at an early stage, but the tendency was probably transmitted 

 to his son. 



After returning to town, the kind and anxious medical 

 attendants Professor Syme and Mr. Goodsir cauterized 

 the foot more than once, but all seemed in vain, and each 

 day left less hope in the hearts of the home circle, as his 

 strength visibly decreased. In December a long letter to 

 his cousin, " dear Jeems," gives token of unquenched 

 heartiness amidst the deepening shadows. Speaking of the 

 death of Mr. Kenneth Kemp, his fellow-teacher in chemis- 

 try, which had just occurred, he says, 



" And now that the ground is clear, I have to sit quietly 

 by, cultivating patience, and seeing some one else step into 

 the poor fellow's shoes. Well, seeing that shoes are out of 

 the question with me, and that I could only at furthest step 

 into another man's shoe, I won't be mulcted out of mj- 

 patience by any man, but bide my time. 



