He is next recognised by an old friend at a
gaming-table, who mentions the sale of an estate there for his last
stake, which property our student really had sold, though under
different circumstances; and then rejected by his _chere amie_ for a
slight which he never offered. The last event or link of this mysterious
chain is familiarly narrated as follows:--
In returning one morning from Westminster, as I was passing through one
of those small courts between Essex-street and Norfolk-street, (for of
late I had sought the most retired ways,) I observed that two persons,
of rather mean appearance, seemed to be dogging my footsteps. Uneasy at
this circumstance, I hastened directly on to my chambers. I had,
however, scarcely seated myself, when my servant informed me that two
men wished to speak to me. On being admitted, they told me that they
were officers of the police, and that they had a warrant to arrest me on
a charge of felony. Surprise at the moment prevented my speaking; but as
soon as I recovered myself I offered to accompany them to the
magistrate.
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