The preliminaries and precautions I had adopted previously, all worked badly.

I was like one going to war without weapons--ten chances of defeat to one of victory.

One in whom I had confided, and one who had promised me assistance, appalled by fear at the trial hour, deserted me, thus leaving the responsibility of success or failure solely with myself.

You, sir, can never know my feelings.

As I look back to them, I can scarcely realize that I have passed through a scene so trying.