ABSTRACT
I had however small time for deliberation. Ambrose and the stranger had passed out into the street together. As they had not exchanged so much as a word in the shop, it was unavoidable to believe that their first moments would be occupied with the information that Travers had received from the bookseller. They would then in all probability proceed to the Blue Lion, which the bookseller had pointed out as the present abiding of Deloraine. I knew in which direction that object would lead them. The Frenchman I have mentioned, fortunately resided in a different quarter of the town. I had no time for hesitation. There was a back-door / which led from the bookseller’s counting-house into one of the lanes of the city. This door, though not often, was sometimes used by persons who resorted thither, as I had done, to read the newspapers and look over the new publications, to whom it afforded a shorter cut to their respective habitations than by passing into the street. I opened this door and withdrew. The circumstance probably would not be adverted to as singular. And, if it were, my situation did not allow a liberty of choice. I proceeded with all expedition to the residence of my friend, the only person who could render me the assistance I needed in my present emergency.
