that he was in a state of
lethargy. Newton observed that the servant had cleared the table, and
that the fire was out: and, as there was no help for it, he removed the
chairs to the end of the room, that his father might not tumble over
them if he awoke in the dark, and then retired to his own bed.

VOLUME THREE, CHAPTER SIX.

Angels and ministers of grace defend us!
...
Be thy intents wicked or charitable,
Thou com'st in such a questionable shape
That I will speak to thee.
SHAKESPEARE.

It was past two o'clock when Mr John Forster returned from his chambers
and let himself in with a pass-key. Having secured the street door, the
old gentleman lighted his candle from the lamp, which he then blew out,
and had his foot upon the first step of the stairs, when he was startled
by a loud snore from Nicholas in the dining-room; he immediately
proceeded there, and found his brother, with his heed still lying on the
table.

"Humph!" ejaculated the lawyer. "Why brother Nicholas! brother
Nicholas!"

Nicholas, who had nearly slept off the effects of the wine, answered
with an unintelligible sort of growling.

"Brother Nicholas, I say--brother Nicholas--will you get up, or lie here
all night?"

"They shall be cleaned and ready by to-morrow morning," replied
Nicholas, dreaming.

"Humph! that's more than you will be, apparently.--I say, brother
Nicholas."

"Yes brother," replied Nicholas, raising his head and staring at the
candle. "Why, what's the matter?"

"The matter is, that I wish to go to bed, and wish to see you in bed
before I go myself."

"Yes, brother John, if you please, certainly. Where's my bed? I do
believe I have been asleep."

"Humph! I have no doubt upon the subject," replied John Forster,
lighting another candle. "Come this way, brother Nicholas," and they
both ascended the stairs.

When Mr John Forster arrived at the door of his own room, on the first
story, he stopped. "Now, brother Nicholas, are you quite awake? Do you
think that I may trust you with a candle?"

"I should hope so," replied Nicholas; "I see that it is silver, but I
hope I'm honest, brother John."

"Humph! I mean, can I trust you to put it out?"

"Yes, I think that you may. Pray which is my room?"

"The first door on the left, when you are at the top of the stairs."

"The first door."

"Yes, the first on the left; do you understand?"

"Yes, brother, I do; the first door on the left."

"Very