And it was farther from the
leads than I thought, and I was afraid I had sprained my ancle; and when
I had dropt from the leads to the ground, it was still farther off; but I
did pretty well there, at least. I got no hurt to hinder me from
pursuing my intentions. So being now on the ground, I hid my papers
under a rose-bush, and covered them with mould, and there they still lie,
as I hope. Then I hied away to the pond: The clock struck twelve, just
as I got out; and it was a dark misty night, and very cold; but I felt it
not then.
When I came to the pond-side, I flung in my upper-coat, as I had
designed, and my neckhandkerchief, and a round-eared cap, with a knot;
and then with great speed ran to the door, and took the key out of my
pocket, my poor heart beating all the time against my bosom, as if it
would have forced its way through it: and beat it well might! for I then,
too late, found, that I was most miserably disappointed; for the wicked
woman had taken off that lock, and put another on; so that my key would
not open it. I tried, and tried, and feeling about, I found a padlock
besides, on another part of the door. O then how my heart sunk!--I dropt
down with grief and confusion, unable to stir or support myself, for a
while.
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