A moment only
elapsed, when Munro entered the apartment, seemingly unperceived by all
but the individual who had called him; and, as an air of considerable
vacancy and repose overspread all the company he naturally enough
concluded the potion had taken due hold of the senses of the one whom it
was his chief object to overcome. Without hesitation, therefore, and
certainly asking no leave, he thrust one hand into the bosom of the
worthy jailer, while the other was employed in taking a sure hold of his
collar. To his great surprise, however, he found that his man suffered
from no lethargy, though severely bitten by the drink. Brooks made
fierce resistance; though nothing at such a time, or indeed at any time,
in the hands of one so powerfully built as Munro.
"Hello! now--who are you, I say? Hands off!--Tongs! Tongs!--Hands
off!--Tongs, I say--"
But Tongs heard not, or heeded not, any of the rapid exclamations of the
jailer, who continued to struggle. Munro gave a single glance to the
pedler, whose countenance singularly contrasted with the expression
which, in the performance of such a duty, and at such a time, it might
have been supposed proper for it to have worn.
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