ABSTRACT
I had slept some time, when I was startled by a sudden noise, which at first I could scarcely account for, till a second tap at the window-shutter convinced me that some one wished to enter. I informed the old woman, who instantly roused herself, and proceeded to open the door. I kept myself as much as possible concealed, only peeping through a crevice in the thin wainscot, which divided the parlour from the kitchen. The landlord entered, followed by a well-dressed man: they were both booted and spurred. The lad was ordered to take their horses into the stable, and I listened with anxious attention to all their proceedings.
