'Well, they come in very handy,' said I.
'I'd better go at once and show it to the old gal, 'adn't I?' he
asked.
I told him, by all means; and he was gone upon the instant, gleeful
as though to a game of football.
I took up the paper and read carelessly on, my thoughts engaged
with my immediate danger, till I struck on the next paragraph:-
'In connection with the recent horrid murder in the Castle, we are
desired to make public the following intelligence. The soldier,
Champdivers, is supposed to be in the neighbourhood of this city.
He is about the middle height or rather under, of a pleasing
appearance and highly genteel address. When last heard of he wore
a fashionable suit of pearl-grey, and boots with fawn-coloured
tops. He is accompanied by a servant about sixteen years of age,
speaks English without any accent, and passed under the alias of
Ramornie. A reward is offered for his apprehension.'
In a moment I was in the next room, stripping from me the pearl-
coloured suit!
I confess I was now a good deal agitated. It is difficult to watch
the toils closing slowly and surely about you, and to retain your
composure; and I was glad that Rowley was not present to spy on my
confusion. I was flushed, my breath came thick; I cannot remember
a time when I was more put out.
Pages:
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397