I got out of the window, and placed the sash as I had found it. When I reached the ground, the cold sweat stood on my brow, so violent were my emotions. I entered the front door of the cottage, passing old Jerry on the way, and went to my chamber, the key being on the outside, where Tom had left it. I prayed that God would forgive me if I had done wrong, for I could not determine whether I had or not.
ERNEST DEFENDS HIMSELF.—Page 99.
As the will and the money would not be safe in my pocket, I wrapped them up in a piece of newspaper, and concealed them in the closet. By this time it was daylight. I sat for half an hour in a chair, thinking what I should do. At sunrise Tom and his father returned. I suppose old Jerry told them he had seen me, for both came up stairs immediately.
"Now, you young villain!" yelled Tom, as he rushed towards me, beside himself with passion.
I retreated towards the chimney, and pulled out my bat.
"What are you going to do with that?" demanded he.
"I am going to defend myself," I replied, as firmly as I could; but I was terribly agitated.
"We'll see if you are;" and he sprang towards me.
"Gently, Thomas; don't be rash," interposed my uncle.