Strona 420 z 483

The magistrate listened to me with attention and kindness. "Be

assured, sir," said he, "no pains or exertions on my part shall

be spared to discover the villain."

"I thank you," replied I; "listen, therefore, to the deposition

that I have to make. It is indeed a tale so strange that I should

fear you would not credit it were there not something in truth

which, however wonderful, forces conviction. The story is too

connected to be mistaken for a dream, and I have no motive for

falsehood." My manner as I thus addressed him was impressive but

calm; I had formed in my own heart a resolution to pursue my

destroyer to death, and this purpose quieted my agony and for an

interval reconciled me to life. I now related my history briefly

but with firmness and precision, marking the dates with accuracy

and never deviating into invective or exclamation.