He had, probably, marked my deportment through some window of his dwelling, and had come forth to make inquiries into the motives of my conduct.
He courteously saluted me.

"You seem," said he, "to be in search of some one.

If I can afford you the information you want, you will be welcome to it." Encouraged by this address, I mentioned the name of Thetford; and added my fears that he had not escaped the general calamity.
"It is true," said he.

"Yesterday himself, his wife, and his child, were in a hopeless condition.

I saw them in the evening, and expected not to find them alive this morning.