The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 370: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CHAPTER XXX SHOOTER’S HILL Havine acquitted himself thus honourably of the duty confided to him, the baronet remained to dine at the prin- cipal hotel at Dartford; and as his horses had done good service during the day, they required ample leisure for bait and rest. He did not therefore hurry himself as to the hour of departure; and, moreover, he fell in with agreeable com- pany in the coffee-room of the tavern. For there had been a steeplechase in the neighbourhood in the morning; and several sporting characters who had taken part in the barbarian “‘ amusement ’’ were now winding up the day’s diversions with a good dinner and a jovial glass at the hotel. The baronet, who liked such company and loved his bottle ~ also, was raft induced to remain with the convivialists until a somewhat late hour; indeed, it was considerably past ten o’clock when he ordered his carriage to be got ready, and another half-hour elapsed ere he had finished his wine, paid his bill, and set out on the journey homeward. The footman who was in attendance on the vehicle sat next the coachman on the box; and as the night was very dark, the carriage-lamps had been lighted. But a dense mist, arising from the Thames, was borne by a sluggish northerly breeze over the southern bank of the river, en- veloping the main road which the equipage was pursuing. The lamps accordingly shone as dimly as if through the dullest ground glass; and the feeble glimmering thus thrown forth was barely sufficient to enable the coachman to avoid the hedges, banks, ditches, or fences which by turns skirted the road. The carriage accordingly proceeded at a leisurely pace; and Sir Douglas sank into a sound sleep under the influence 353 CORnICLOO© Ss (C(O)