CHARLES WATERTON, ESQ. lvii 
law to go through the back door into a field of 
standing canes. But so great was his perturbation, 
that he jumped out of the window; and, in lieu of 
taking over a bridge close at hand, he ran through 
a filthy trench, nearly up to the arm-pits in water. 
It was not more than half flood tide in the river; 
and, on this account, the officers could not land at 
the house without walking up a square log of wood 
which had been placed on the mud, and formed part 
of the stelling, or wharf, for the accommodation of 
those who land when the water is low. On this 
log I took my stand, and disputed the passage with 
the officers of justice. They could not pass without 
forcing me up to the middle in mud, or making me 
retrace my steps up the log. When I thought 
there had been time enough allowed for the fugitive 
to make his escape, I returned to the house, they 
following close on my steps, and entering into it 
immediately after me. Not having succeeded in 
the object of their search, they returned to the 
boat, muttering curses in Dutch as they re-crossed 
the threshold. 
. The next day a warrant arrived, ordering me to 
appear immediately at Government House. 
Although I did not know the governor person- 
ally, | was pretty well acquainted with his character; 
and I was aware that there was only one way for 
me to act. So I resolved at once to take him on his 
weak side, if so it might be called. » 
On my name being announced he came into the 
hall. Whilst looking at me full in the face, he ex- 
claimed in a voice too severe to last long: “ And 
so, Sir, you have dared to thwart the law, and to 
