It was indeed high time I should be gone from Swanston; but what I was to do in the meanwhile was another question.

Rowley had received his orders last night: he was to say that I had met a friend, and Mrs.McRankine was not to expect me before morning.

A good enough tale in itself; but the dreadful pickle I was in made it out of the question.

I could not go home till I had found harbourage, a fire to dry my clothes at, and a bed where I might lie till they were ready.
Fortune favoured me again.

I had scarce got to the top of the first hill when I spied a light on my left, about a furlong away.