128 NOTES OF A TOWN- TRAVELLKH. 



" I now hoped, indeed, to enjoy a little rest. All my fears seemed 

 satisfied. Once more, however, I took a survey round the room, and 

 then, consigning myself to the care of Providence, threw myself fear- 

 lessly on the bed. 



" I had reposed in the soft embraces of Somnus about two hours — it 

 might have been less, — when I was suddenly awoke by the noise of a 

 scratching at the door by the side of the window. I looked, — could see 

 nothing. The clouds were driving rapidly through the sky, and the 

 pale moon, breaking at intervals from behind them, threw a fitful and 

 uncertain light upon the spot. As it gleamed upon the old-fashioned 

 walls, my fevered mind could almost discern the figures which were 

 marked upon the paper, dancing before, sometimes throwing up their 

 hands as if in triumph at my capture, and at others beckoning me by 

 various gestures and grimaces to follow them. Again I heard the 

 noise, — it now proceeded from the window ! I fell back, and lay for 

 some time in a breathless suspense. How, gentlemen, how shall I 

 describe to you my astonishment, my agony, when on again openmg 

 my eyes I heheld the figure of a man standing before the window .'' By 

 his dress, and the light of the moon which shone directly upon him, I 

 easily recognized him to be one of the three before spoken of. He was 

 beckoning to the others. The window presently opened ! In about a 

 minute, the other two men appeared, carrying what seemed to me to be 

 the body of a man. Oh ! thought I, how easily now can I account for 

 the use of that door. It is into that cell they convey the bodies of their 

 murdered victims ! Alas ! how soon might I be one of the number ! 

 and I felt as if I could freely and without a murmur have given up every 

 farthing about me, if gain was their purpose, so would they spare my 

 life. My heart almost came up into my mouth ; there was a choaking 

 in my throat, — I could scarcely breathe. They entered the room. The 

 first was furnished with a dark lantern, and led the way to the door. 



" ' Hush! softly! This way, my boys; the chap's sure to be asleep 

 by this time.' 



" He took from his pocket a key. unlocked the door, and they all 

 three entered the place. ' Now,' thought I, ' now is the time,' — and 

 I was about to spring out of the bed and lock the door upon them ; 

 when I perceived by the light of their lantern they had deposited their 

 burden, and were returning. ' Lord have mercy upon me !' I in- 

 wardly prayed. They approached my bed, — my eyes involuntarily 

 closed, — I saw no more, I heard no more. I was gone — fast — dead as 

 a door-nail ! How long I had remained in this happy trance, I know 

 not ; but when I again opened my eyes, how changed was the scene ! 



" It was a fine beautiful morning, — the sun was riding high and gilding 

 with its brightest beams the prospect around. I was soon dressed and 

 in the parlour. Break'^ast was brought in by Lukin, who, with one of 

 his usual grins, said, ' Master Gregory would be happy to speak 

 with your honour, if as how your honour could spare him a moment.' 

 I told him I was perfectly at leisure, and in a few moments the said 

 Gregory appeared, bow-ing profoundly as he entered. 



" ' I beg pardon, sir,' he said, after satisfying himself no one besides 

 ourselves was in the room, — ' I beg pardon, but I hope you were not 

 very much disturbed last night.' 



