Now I was once more on public ground.

By so many anxious efforts had I disengaged myself from the perilous precincts of private property.

As many stratagems as are usually made to enter a house had been employed by me to get out of it.

I was urged to the use of them by my fears; yet, so far from carrying off spoil, I had escaped with the loss of an essential part of my dress.
I had now leisure to reflect.

I seated myself on the ground and reviewed the scenes through which I had just passed.