Door and window alternately presented
themselves for the accomplishment of this unpleasant purpose, but before
I could satisfy myself as to which was the more eligible offer, as
doubters generally do contrive it, I lost all chance of availing myself
of either. "_Facilis descensus_"--"Easier in than out"--&c., occurred to
me; and many other classical allusions, much more appropriate than
agreeable. I heard voices and footsteps in the hall. The stairs creaked,
and it was but too evident they were coming, and that with a most
unerring and provoking perseverance. Surely, thought I, these gentry
have noses like the sleuth-hound; and I made no doubt but they would
undeviatingly follow them into the very scene of my labours; and what
excuse could I make for the havoc I had committed? I stood stupefied,
and unable to move. The thoughts of being hauled neck and heels before
the next justice, on a charge of housebreaking, or what not--committed
to prison--tried, perhaps, and--the sequel was more than even
imagination durst conceive. Recoiling in horror from the picture, it was
with something like instinctive desperation that I flew to the little
closet, and shut myself in, with all the speed and precision my fears
would allow.
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