It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind

blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

We had out pea-coats with us, and I took a bag. Of all my worldly

possessions I took no more than the few necessaries that filled the

bag. Where I might go, what I might do, or when I might return, were

questions utterly unknown to me; nor did I vex my mind with them, for

it was wholly set on Provis's safety. I only wondered for the passing

moment, as I stopped at the door and looked back, under what altered

circumstances I should next see those rooms, if ever.

We loitered down to the Temple stairs, and stood loitering there, as if

we were not quite decided to go upon the water at all. Of course, I had

taken care that the boat should be ready and everything in order. After

a little show of indecision, which there were none to see but the two

or three amphibious creatures belonging to our Temple stairs, we went

on board and cast off; Herbert in the bow, I steering. It was then about

high-water,--half-past eight.

Our plan was this. The tide, beginning to run down at nine, and being

with us until three, we intended still to creep on after it had turned,

and row against it until dark. We should then be well in those long

reaches below Gravesend, between Kent and Essex, where the river is

broad and solitary, where the water-side inhabitants are very few, and

where lone public-houses are scattered here and there, of which we could

choose one for a resting-place. There, we meant to lie by all night.

The steamer for Hamburg and the steamer for Rotterdam would start from

London at about nine on Thursday morning. We should know at what time

to expect them, according to where we were, and would hail the first;

so that, if by any accident we were not taken abroad, we should have

another chance. We knew the distinguishing marks of each vessel.

The relief of being at last engaged in the execution of the purpose

was so great to me that I felt it difficult to realize the condition in

which I had been a few hours before. The crisp air, the sunlight, the

movement on the river, and the moving river itself,--the road that ran

with us, seeming to sympathize with us, animate us, and encourage us

on,--freshened me with new hope. I felt mortified to be of so little use

in the boat; but, there were few better oarsmen than my two friends, and

they rowed with a steady stroke that was to last all day.




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