The Steam-Packet: A Tale of the River and the Ocean — page 344: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

s f Ps THE STEAM PACKET. 263 ‘* Impossible—absurd!”’ ejaculated Buckram; ‘for heaven's sake don’t turn coward just at the moment when our plans seem to be upon tae eve of success.” | ‘It is just this very climax which confirms me in my resolve,” answered Pentonville. ‘‘ When the consummation of those plans appeared at a distance, the extent of the deception we were practising was less formidable to contemplate ; but now that an immediate return to England will bring matters to a crisis, I dare not allow the villany to be perpetrated. I shall disclose all to-morrow morning. For my part, I shall remain here, and abide by any result to which my can- dour may lead: you have time and leisure to act for yourself.” ‘Consider once more,” said Buckram, earnestly; “only delibe- rate ——”’ “The man who deliberates is lost!” were the words which at ‘eh moment fell upon the ears of the two adventurers. They had reached the end of the pier, and were leaning over the parapet, during the latter portion of the above discourse; and now to their dismay they perceived that a stranger had approached, unperceived by them, and had at all events overheard the concluding words of Buckram’s pel to his friend for a reconsideration of the suliece That a discourse of such a nature should have been overheard by any one, was sufficiently galling; bit how much more seriously was Gantain Pentonville amazed, when he recognised in the eaves-dropper the same identical scowling-looking stranger, who half an hour before had caused him some apprehensions at the gate of the hotel. ** Did you address us, sir?” asked the captain, timidly. ‘“¢T said—and I repeat.my words—‘ the man who deliberates is lost!’”’ returned the stranger. ‘‘ The words should be written upon the disk of the sun; for he who follows the advice implied by the maxim, when he has resolved upon an honourable line of conduct, isa man made for life! Deliberate over evil deeds—hesitate not to per- form virtuous ones. Gentlemen, I wish you,a very good morning.”’ As he uttered these words, the mysterious old gentleman walked rapidly away, leaving Pentonville and the tailor in a state in which it. was difficult to decide whether shame or alarm formed the principal sentiment that now animated them. ‘IT wonder whether he overheard enough to gain an insight into— into—”’ murmured Buckram, after a long pause. ‘Into our characters, you would say,” added the captain. ‘‘I am afraid he did—and I candidly confess that there is something about the old fellow which fills me with indescribable alarm. However, my Intentions are now honest, and if he overheard them, he can only anti- Gomichbooks (E(0)