countenance betokened a mind engrossed by a single purpose, in some
degree foreign to the scene before him. An intensity and fixedness of
features were conspicuous, that led me to suspect the subversion of his
reason.

Having finished the task, he threw aside his implement. He then put into
my hand a pocket-book, saying it belonged to Watson, and might contain
something serviceable to the living. I might make what use of it I
thought proper. He then remounted the stairs, and, placing the candle on
a table in the hall, opened the principal door and went forth. I was
driven, by a sort of mechanical impulse, in his footsteps. I followed
him because it was agreeable to him and because I knew not whither else
to direct my steps.

The streets were desolate and silent. The watchman's call, remotely and
faintly heard, added to the general solemnity. I followed my companion
in a state of mind not easily described. I had no spirit even to inquire
whither he was going. It was not till we arrived at the water's edge
that I persuaded myself to break silence. I then began to reflect on the
degree in which his present schemes might endanger Welbeck or myself. I
had acted long enough a servile and mechanical part; and been guided by
blind and foreign impulses. It was time to lay aside my fetters, and
demand to know whither the path tended in which I was importuned to
walk.

Meanwhile I found myself entangled among boats and shipping. I am unable
to describe the spot by any indisputable tokens. I know merely that it
was the termination of one of the principal streets. Here Welbeck
selected a boat and prepared to enter it. For a moment I hesitated to
comply with his apparent invitation. I stammered out an