There were two things, however, about which I was particularly anxious; one was to set myself right with Miss Kitwater, and the other was to get even, at any cost, with Hayle.

The first seemed the more difficult.
It must not be supposed that when I had alighted from the carriage I had given up all hope of escape.

On the contrary, had it not been for the presence of three burly fellows, who immediately took up their places beside me, I fancy I should have made a dash for liberty.

Under the circumstances, however, to have attempted such a thing would have been the height of folly.

Five to one, that is to say, if I include the coachman in the number, with the gates closed behind me, were too long odds, and however hard I might have fought, I could not possibly have been successful.
"Perhaps you will be kind enough to step into the house," said Hayle.
"The air is cold out here, and I am afraid lest you might take a chill." Before complying with his order I looked round me once more to see if there was any chance of escape.