162 LIBERAL TO A FAULT.

they effected a precipitate and perilous retreat to
Huanuco. From thence Dombey returned alone
to Lima, where various difficulties awaited him.
He had lost all his outfit, and his pecuniary income
was quite inadequate to his wants. The celebrated
Necker, then in power, increased his salary, but
still his funds were by no means so large as those
of his Spanish associates. It is said that, notwith-
standing this, he contrived to lend them, when
they found themselves embarrassed, a considerable
sum. The truth is, like many men of his stamp,
Dombey was liberal to a fault when he had money
in hand, and was frequently in difficulties owing to
his imprudence and want of consideration. His
kindly heart prompted him ever to do generous
actions; and he frequently assisted the unfortu-
nate, and bestowed on others what he could ill
spare. He loved to spend; but, on the other
hand, he knew how to bear privations. Sometimes
he lived merrily, and had a numerous escort; at
another time he would be content with a solitary
attendant, and with poor fare.

That which most perturbed him, and upset his
equanimity, was the opposition he encountered
from the rich and ignorant, who despised his know-
ledge and thwarted him in his scientific objects.
However, his medical information proved of great
use to him during his residence in Lima; it aug-