In my heart I blessed the chance that had stored it ready to my hand.
Stumbling through dark and tortuous streets where the moon's frosty
brilliance was almost completely hidden, I came at last to the
waterman's door and knocked. He was in bed and for some time my
summons was in vain. At last I heard a sound in the room above, the
window was let down and a sulky voice said, "Who's there?"
"Is that you, Bagnell?" I answered. "Come down. It is I, Mr.
Trenoweth, and I want you."
There was a low cursing, a long pause broken by a muttered dispute
upstairs, and then the street door opened and Bagnell appeared with a
lantern.
"Bagnell, I want my boat."
"To-night, sir? And at this hour?"
"Yes, to-night. I want it particularly."
"But it is put away behind a dozen others, and can't be got."
"Never mind. I will help if you want assistance, but I must have
it."
Bagnell looked at me for a minute and I could see that he was cursing
under his breath.
"Is it serious, sir? You're not--"
"I am not drunk, if that is what you mean, but perfectly serious, and
I must have my boat.
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