40 THE CHERRY-STONES.

and desperate courage. And as he now
thought of the daring and romance .of
going alone, at the dead of night, and
scaling a wall, which none of his school-
fellows would venture to attempt in open
day, he felt his heart beat more quickly,
and a thrill of strange, feverish delight
spread through his veins. The temptation
prevailed; and he resolved to make
the attempt. Noiselessly hurrying on his
clothes, he gave an anxious glance at his
unconscious companions, who were sleep-
ing soundly after the labours of the day ;
and then, taking his shoes in his hand,
crept softly out of the room.

The staircase which led to the boys’
dining and school-room was nearly dark,
and as he groped his way cautiously
across the passage, and descended, step by
step, it seemed so very long, that he