I am glad of
the hint you so kindly give me of the man at the post-house. I was
thinking of opening a way for myself by letter, when I could have
opportunity; but I see more and more that I am, indeed, strangely
surrounded with dangers; and that there is no dependance to be made on my
master's honour.
'I should think, sir, if either of those ladies would give leave, I might
some way get out by favour of your key: and as it is impossible, watched
as I am, to know when it can be, suppose, sir, you get one made by it,
and put it, the next opportunity, under the sunflower?--I am sure no time
is to be lost, because it is rather my wonder, that she is not thoughtful
about this key, than otherwise; for she forgets not the minutest thing.
But, sir, if I had this key, I could, if these ladies would not shelter
me, run away any where: and if I was once out of the house, they could
have no pretence to force me again; for I have done no harm, and hope to
make my story good to any compassionate body; and by this way you need
not to be known. Torture should not wring it from me, I assure you.
'One thing more, good sir. Have you no correspondence with my master's
Bedfordshire family? By that means, may be, I could be informed of his
intention of coming hither, and when I enclose you a letter of a
deceitful wretch; for I can trust you with any thing; poor John Arnold.
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