Williams's robber; then I spied Nan, half out of breath, and the cook-
maid after her! and lastly, came waddling, as fast as she could, Mrs.
Jewkes, exclaiming most bitterly, as I found, against me. Colbrand said,
O how have you frighted us all!--And went behind me, lest I should run
away, as I suppose.
I sat still, to let them see I had no view to get away; for, besides the
improbability of succeeding, my last sad attempt has cured me of
enterprising again. And when Mrs. Jewkes came within hearing, I found
her terribly incensed, and raving about my contrivances. Why, said I,
should you be so concerned? Here I have sat a few minutes, and had not
the least thought of getting away, or going farther; but to return as
soon as it was duskish. She would not believe me; and the barbarous
creature struck at me with her horrid fist, and, I believe, would have
felled me, had not Colbrand interposed, and said, He saw me sitting
still, looking about me, and not seeming to have the least inclination to
stir. But this would not serve: She ordered the two maids to take me
each by an arm, and lead me back into the house, and up stairs; and there
have I been locked up ever since, without shoes. In vain have I pleaded,
that I had no design, as indeed I had not the least; and last night I was
forced to be between her and Nan; and I find she is resolved to make a
handle of this against me, and in her own behalf.
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