I eagerly seized the volume, and sought in the first page I should open, an omen that should decide my fate, and my eye glanced upon the words already quoted--"Be ye, therefore, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." I closed the book and sat down, and tried to shape the words to suit my present state.

What better advice could I follow?
from what higher authority could I derive sounder counsel?
Did it not suit completely my case?
Harrison had disappeared.

I was alone and friendless in the house of the oppressor.

Did I follow the suggestions of my own heart, I should either destroy myself, or quit the protection of Mr.Moncton's roof for ever.
"But then," said reason, "if you take the first step, you are guilty of an unpardonable sin, and by destroying yourself, further the sinister views of your uncle.

If the second, you throw away seven years of hard labour, lose your indentures, and for ever place a bar on your future advancement.