They were so precious, that I began now to be troubled lest I should lose them.

For, though he had thus privately unbosomed himself to me, it did not follow that he would come forward as a public evidence.

I was not a little uneasy on this account.
I was fearful lest, when I should put this question to him, his future plan of life, or some little narrow consideration of future interest, would prevent him from giving his testimony, and I delayed asking him for many days.

During this time, however, I frequently visited him; and at length, when I thought I was better acquainted, and probably in some little estimation, with him, I ventured to open my wishes on this subject.

He answered me boldly, and at once, that he had left the trade upon principle, and that he would state all he knew concerning it, either publicly or privately, and at any time when he should be called upon to do it.