CHARLES WATERT0N, ESQ. 



XXVII 



sisters had already set off before me, and I was to 

 follow them in the course of a few days'; — urgent 

 business keeping me at home. 



So, in due time, T left Yorkshire for London, 

 and thence for Dover by the night train. The 

 night was as dark as pitch, for there was neither 

 moon nor stars ; all above being one dense cloud. 



On my leaving the station to go on board the 

 Belgian steamer, I threw my Italian cloak over my 

 shoulders, and with a little portmanteau in one 

 hand, and an umbrella in the other, I enquired for 

 the porter. But, he had just been engaged that very 

 moment, by two gentlemen who were on their way, 

 that night, to Calais ; so, I thought that T could 

 not do better than keep them company. The 

 porter asked to carry my portmanteau ; but as he 

 had already enough of weight upon his shoulders, 

 I answered, that I would carry the little portmanteau 

 myself. 



The Belgian boat was moored a trifle ahead 

 of the French steamer, and she burnt a blue light. 

 This, he pointed out to me. "You have only, 

 sir," said he, " to cross the little bridge close by here, 

 and you will be on board the Belgian steamer 

 immediately." I thanked him, and we parted 

 company. 



Following his instructions, I passed the wooden 



