But the reader may imagine my rage when I found, as I got into the bed, that it creaked loud enough to wake the dead.

I waited, however, quite motionless, until my companion should be fast asleep, and as soon as his snoring told me that he was entirely under the influence of Morpheus, I tried to slip out of the bed; but the infernal creaking which took place whenever I moved, woke my companion, who felt about with his hand, and, finding me near him, went to sleep again.

Half an hour after, I tried a second time, but with the same result.

I had to give it up in despair.
Love is the most cunning of gods; in the midst of obstacles he seems to be in his own element, but as his very existence depends upon the enjoyment of those who ardently worship him, the shrewd, all-seeing, little blind god contrives to bring success out of the most desperate case.
I had given up all hope for the night, and had nearly gone to sleep, when suddenly we hear a dreadful noise.

Guns are fired in the street, people, screaming and howling, are running up and down the stairs; at last there is a loud knocking at our door.