This was a trying concern to me; but I resisted it, and
reverted to my doubts. On this he said that he had meant to do me
honour, but, since I put it out of his power, he would do the deed,
and take the responsibility on himself. "I have with sore travail
procured a guardship of your life," added he. "For my own, I
have not; but, be that as it will, I shall not be baffled in my
attempts to benefit my friends without a trial. You will at all
events accompany me, and see that I get justice?"
"Certes, I will do thus much," said I, "and woe be to him if his
arm prevail against my friend and patron!"
His lip curled with a smile of contempt, which I could hardly
brook; and I began to be afraid that the eminence to which I had
been destined by him was already fading from my view. And I
thought what I should then do to ingratiate myself again with
him, for without his countenance I had no life. "I will be a man in
act," thought I, "but in sentiment I will not yield, and for this he
must surely admire me the more."
As we emerged from the shadowy lane into the fair moonshine, I
started so that my whole frame underwent the most chilling
vibrations of surprise.
Pages:
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258