re acute by habit, detected the light
clank of a chain, and something like a low thumping sound in the water
beneath me; and on peering down, I discovered the form of a small boat,
fastened to a ring in the wall, and which from time to time grated
against the strong masonry. There it lay, with a pair of light oars
run under the thwarts, and its helm flapping to and fro, inert and
purposeless, like myself! So at least I fancied it; and soon began
conceiving a strange parallel between it and me. I was suddenly startled
from these musings by the sound of feet rapidly approaching.

I listened, and could hear a man coming towards me at full speed. I sat
down beneath the shadow of the wall, and he passed me unnoticed, and
then, springing up on the parapet, he gave a loud, shrill whistle,
waiting a few seconds as if for the reply. He was silent, and then
repeated it; but still in vain,--no answer came. "Blast them!" muttered
he, "the scoundrels will not show a light!" A third time did he whistle;
but though the sounds might be heard a mile off, neither sight nor sound
ever responded to them. "And that rascal, too, to have left the boat at
such a moment!" Just as he uttered these words, he sprang down from
the wall, and caught sight of me, as I lay, affecting sleep, coiled up
beneath it.

With a rude kick of his foot on my side he aroused me, saying, "D--n the
fellow! is this a time for sleeping? I told you to keep a sharp look-out
for me here! What! who are you?" cried he, as I stood upright before
him.

"A poor boy, sir, that has no roof to shelter him," said I, plaintively.

He bent his head and listened; and then, with a horrible curse,
exclaimed, "Here they are! here they come! Can you pull an oar, my lad?"

"I can sir," answered I.

"Well, jump down into the punt there, and row her round the point to
the stairs. Be quick! down with you! I have cut my hand, and cannot help
you. There, that 's it, my lad! catch the ring; swing yourself a little
more to the right; her gunwale is just beneath your foot; all right now!
well done! Be alive now! give way, give way!" And thus encouraging me,
he walked along the parapet above me, and in a few minutes stood fast,
calling out, but in a lower and more cautious voice, "There! close in,
now a strong pull--that 's it!" and then, hastily descending a narrow
flight of steps, he sprang into the boat, and seated himself in the
stern. "Hush! be still!" cried he; "do not stir! they'll n