On finding the papers removed, the nature of this
night's ghostly admonition would immediately be guessed, and measures
taken to thwart any proceedings which it might be in my power to adopt.
To prevent discovery, I hit upon the following expedient:--I sorted out
the waste paper, a considerable quantity of which served as envelopes to
the rest, setting fire to it in such a manner that the contents of the
trunk might appear to have been destroyed by the falling of the candle.
I succeeded very much to my own satisfaction. Disturbed and agonised as
my feelings had been during the discovery, the idea of having defeated
the plan of my iniquitous relative gave a zest to my acquisitions almost
as great as if I had already taken possession of my paternal
inheritance.
Before I left the apartment, I poured out my heart in thanksgivings to
that unseen Power whose hand, I am firmly convinced, brought me thither
at so critical a moment, to frustrate the schemes and machinations of
the enemy.
Bundling up the papers, my knowledge of the vicinity enabled me to reach
a small tavern in the neighbourhood without the risk of being
recognised.
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