Page:The Keepsake for 1838.djvu/220

 were spread with mattresses and coverlets; and in a niche in the wall there stood a bed. In the centre of the room, there was a round table, on which were placed wine and spirits, and a speaking trumpet and a large bell enabled us to alarm the house, if necessary.

We closely examined all the arrangements, lighted up every corner, and carefully inspected the windows and doors. We then seated ourselves at the round table, animating our courage by bumpers of wine, and agreeing on the different parts we were to act in the expected nocturnal drama.

Midnight approached, and every thing remained as still as death. Our conversation was exhausted; our eyelids began to droop; in vain we reminded each other of the necessity of watchfulness—sleep maintained its rights.

A loud and repeated knocking roused us. We sprang from our seats, and for a moment gazed on each other in speechless consternation. The lights burned dimly: but another glance revealed to us the bright rays of day streaming through the crevices in the shutters. The next moment, however, determined our doubts; a servant entered, and asked us whether we wished to breakfast alone, or with the family?

Somewhat disappointed at the failure of our expectations, and not very certain whether we had missed the adventure, or the adventure had missed us, we gave the necessary answer, and shortly afterwards quitted the scene of our defeat. We expected to be received with sportive mockery, and to hear many satirical observations on our prowess. But the Baron merely asked whether we had been disturbed during the night; and on our candidly confessing that we had slept soundly through the whole of it, he drily remarked, that we should have shown more wisdom if we had suppressed our idle curiosity altogether.

Both the strangers now began to show their wit at the ex-