Having deposited his burden carefully on the floor, he addressed himself
to the company in these words: "Be not surprised, good people, at this
unusual appearance, which I shall take an opportunity to explain, and
forgive the rude and boisterous manner in which I have demanded, and
indeed forced admittance; the violence of my intrusion was the effect of
necessity. In crossing the river, my squire and his horse were swept
away by the stream, and, with some difficulty, I have been able to drag
him ashore, though I am afraid my assistance reached him too late, for
since I brought him to land he has given no signs of life."

Here he was interrupted by a groan, which issued from the chest of the
squire, and terrified the spectators as much as it comforted the master.
After some recollection, Mr. Fillet began to undress the body, which was
laid in a blanket on the floor, and rolled from side to side by his
direction. A considerable quantity of water being discharged from the
mouth of this unfortunate squire, he uttered a hideous roar, and, opening
his eyes, stared wildly around. Then the surgeon undertook for his
recovery; and his master went forth with the ostler in quest of the
horses, which he had left by the side of the river. His back was no
sooner turned, than Ferret, who had been peeping from behind the
pantry-door, ventured to rejoin the company; pronouncing with a smile,
or rather grin, of contempt, "Hey-day! what precious mummery is this?
What, are we to have the farce of Hamlet's ghost?" "Adzooks," cried the
captain, "My kinsman Tom has dropped astern--hope in God a-has not bulged
to, and gone to bottom." "Pish," exclaimed the misanthrope, "there's no
danger; the young lawyer is only seizing Dolly in tail."

Certain it is, Dolly squeaked at that instant in the cellar; and Clarke
appearing soon after in some confusion, declared she had been frightened
by a flash of lightning. But this assertion was not confirmed by the