I was at rest, then.
But as soon as one is at rest, in this world, off he goes on something else to worry about.

It occurred to me that I had made another blunder: I had sent the boy off to alarm his betters with a threat--I intending to invent a calamity at my leisure; now the people who are the readiest and eagerest and willingest to swallow miracles are the very ones who are hungriest to see you perform them; suppose I should be called on for a sample?
Suppose I should be asked to name my calamity?
Yes, I had made a blunder; I ought to have invented my calamity first.

"What shall I do?
what can I say, to gain a little time ?" I was in trouble again; in the deepest kind of trouble...
"There's a footstep!--they're coming.

If I had only just a moment to think....

Good, I've got it.