The rappers, he supposed, had benevolently tried to frighten him away, and induce him to go and sleep on the sofa at the other end of the room where he was now; but the attempt had failed.

So there was nothing for them to do, as he was actually in bed, but to get him out again; and this they had succeeded in doing by dragging all his clothes off.

Now he saw it all.
Nothing, it seemed to him, could possibly be clearer.

But who were the unseen friends who had thus interposed to save his life?
Ah, that was a secret still.
Then footsteps were heard outside, and in bustled Aunt Charlotte, with Martha chattering in her wake.

Austin raised himself upon his cushions, and then sank back again.