The mother was then importunate that I should take up the case.

I was too much affected by the narration I had heard to refuse her wholly, and yet I did not promise that I would.

I begged a little time to consider of it.

During this I thought of consulting my friend Burges.
But I feared he would throw cold water upon it, as he had done in the case of the captain of the Alfred.

I remembered well what he had then said to me, and yet I felt a strong disposition to proceed.