n box and the
key into the pockets. As I stepped out once more into the night, my
landlord found his speech.

"When will you be back, sir?"

The question startled me for a moment; for a second or two I
hesitated.

"I asked because you have no latch-key, as I suppose you left it in
your other coat. So that--"

"It does not matter," I answered. "Do not sit up. I shall not be
back before morning;" and with that I left him still standing at the
door, and listening to my footsteps as they hurried down the street.

"Before morning!" Before morning I should be in another world, if
there were another world. And then it struck me that Claire and I
might meet. She had taken her own life and so should I. But no,
no--Heaven would forgive her that; it could not condemn my saint to
the pit where I should lie: it could not be so kindly cruel; and then
I laughed a loud and bitter laugh.

Still in my dull stupor I found myself nearing the river. I have not
mentioned it before, but I must explain now, that during the summer I
had purchased a boat, in which my Claire and I were used to row idly
between Streatley and Pangbourne, or whithersoever love guided our
oars. This boat, with the approach of winter, I had caused to be
brought down the river and had housed in a waterman's shed just above
Westminster, until the return of spring should bring back once more
the happy days of its employment.

In my heart I blessed the chance that had stored it ready to my hand.

Stumbling through dark and tortuous streets where the moon's frosty
brilliance was almost completely hidden, I came at last to the
waterman's door and knocked. He was in bed and for some time my
summons was in vain. At last I heard a sound in the room above, the
window was let down and a sulky voice said, "Who's there?"

"Is that you, Bagnell?" I answered. "Come down. It is I, Mr.
Trenoweth, and I want you."

There was a low cursing, a long pause broken by a muttered dispute
upstairs, and then the street door opened and Bagnell appeared with a
lantern.

"Bagnell, I want my boat."

"To-night, sir? And at this hour?"

"Yes, to-night. I want it particularly."

"But it is put away behind a dozen others, and can't be got."

"Never mind. I will help if you want assistance, but I must have
it."

Bagnell looked at me for a minute and I could see that he was cursing
under his breath.

"Is it serious, sir? You're not--"

"I am not drunk, if that