These facts had been the foundation of my negligence on this occasion.
What was now to be done?
To return to my paternal mansion was impossible.

To relinquish my design of entering the city and to seek a temporary asylum, if not permanent employment, at some one of the plantations within view, was the most obvious expedient.

These deliberations did not slacken my pace.

I was almost unmindful of my way, when I found I had passed Schuylkill at the upper bridge.

I was now within the precincts of the city, and night was hastening.