Besides, the strange nature of the animal would elude all pursuit, even if I were so far credited as to persuade my relatives to commence it.

And then of what use would be pursuit?
Who could arrest a creature capable of scaling the overhanging sides of Mont Saleve?
These reflections determined me, and I resolved to remain silent.
It was about five in the morning when I entered my father's house.

I told the servants not to disturb the family, and went into the library to attend their usual hour of rising.
Six years had elapsed, passed in a dream but for one indelible trace, and I stood in the same place where I had last embraced my father before my departure for Ingolstadt.

Beloved and venerable parent! He still remained to me.

I gazed on the picture of my mother, which stood over the mantel-piece.