Part 70 (1/2)

This hint was quite sufficient Neither the drawing room nor the best parlour were now to be had; and I was shewn into a dirty back place, which was little more than a closet, decorated with a wooden cut of Lord Lovat over theand queen on each side

Before she shut the door, Charlotte demanded 'if I chose to have some more coals on the fire? And whether I would have two candles or one?'

'Whatever you please madam,' I replied 'Nay, sir,' said she pertly, 'that is just as you please' I made no answer, and she shut the door with a dissatisfied air; which she locked on the outside

At any other ti-room, would have presented many whimsical associations to my mind: but at present my attention was called to the iron bars of the oneof my prison hole; and to the recollection that, in all probability, I was now shut up for life The weight of evil was so oppressive that I sat motionless, in sullen stupefaction, for a considerable ti no sound whatever, the bailiff I suppose was alar in abruptly exclai probably that I could not possibly have escaped through theRecollecting himself, he asked 'if I did not think proper to send to some friends?' To which I laconically answered, 'No'

'But I suppose you ive'

'I perceive how it is, sir You are not used to the business; and so you are cast down You entleh; _becase_ why, the sum is not quite four hundred and forty pounds We have people enough _which_ will go of any h it is late; _becase_, as you _says_ you don't drink, there will be no good ood beds, and as good wines and all sorts of liquors, and can get any thing else as good as a gentleman needs lick his lips to There _is_ never _no_ complaints at our house So you had better take et a little so; and send to let your friends know as how you are _nabbed_: _becase_ nothing can come of it otherwise, neither to you nor _no_body else'

His discourse awakened entleman, hom I had intended to travel the next day, and infor the journey

This led me to reflect further The remark of the bailiff was just: delay was prejudicial What had happened could not be kept secret, secrecy was in itself vicious, and to increase evil by procrastination was cowardly Thus far roused, I presently conceived and deter a prison: but, being in this house, I was resolved first to see ed my servant Clarke, I kneould reproach oods offices in ood offices as he could perform would be most necessary I intended therefore to request hio round and inform such of my friends as I wished to see: but, as the bailiff told me it would be proper to send for ht proper to dispatch a entleman hom I was to have travelled

Mr Hilary was at home and came instantly on the receipt of my billet

When he saw me, he endeavoured to smile; and not appear in the least surprised, or affected But his feelings betrayed hied to turn away his face He made an effort, however, and recovered himself: after which, he rather endeavoured to enter into easy conversation than to talk of business

By this I suspected that he neither durst trust himself nor me; till a little time should have reconciled us to the scene

This was a proper opportunity for enquiries which et I questioned hier, whose person I described; and ht him out of the house, the moment before I was arrested

'What do you know of hier air 'Have you ever seen him before?'

'Yes; if I am not very much mistaken'

'Nay but tellwho and what he is?'

'A gentlereat traveller'

'Has he met with any accident lately?'

'Yes But why do you ask?'

'And why do you seem so much awakened by the question?'

'Because he is excessively desirous of discovering soentleman, who found him after he had been robbed, and left, supposed to be dead; that he may if possible reward his preserver Now there are some circumstances, as related by the people of an inn to which he was taken, that have suggested a thought to ive me inexpressible pleasure'

'What are they?'

'That the good Saentleman with a servant out of livery; that he and his ht bays; that the servant's name was Samuel; and that the master was in person very like you All which correspond; and I really believe, by your s, that it actually was you'

'Suppose it: what then?'