Surely it was frenzy that dictated my deed. That a ruffian was
hidden in the closet was an idea the genuine tendency of which was
to urge me to flight. Such had been the effect formerly produced.
Had my mind been simply occupied with this thought at present, no
doubt the same impulse would have been experienced; but now it was
my brother whom I was irresistibly persuaded to regard as the
contriver of that ill of which I had been forewarned. This
persuasion did not extenuate my fears or my danger. Why then did I
again approach the closet and withdraw the bolt? My resolution was
instantly conceived, and executed without faltering.
The door was formed of light materials. The lock, of simple
structure, easily forewent its hold. It opened into the room, and
commonly moved upon its hinges, after being unfastened, without any
effort of mine. This effort, however, was bestowed upon the
present occasion. It was my purpose to open it with quickness; but
the exertion which I made was ineffectual. It refused to open.
At another time, this circumstance would not have looked with a
face of mystery.
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