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When, a full hour later, the last seaman returned grumblingly to the
harbour side and his particular tavern, it may fairly be questioned if he
had ever known what manner of man he was pursuing, but it was
absolutely
sure that he had now forgotten. By next morning there were many strange
stories flying; and a little while after, the legend of the devil's
nocturnal visit was an article of faith with all the lads of Shoreby.
But the return of the last seaman did not, even yet, set free young
Shelton from his cold imprisonment in the doorway.
For some time after, there was a great activity of patrols; and special
parties came forth to make the round of the place and report to one or
other of the great lords, whose slumbers had been thus unusually broken.
The night was already well spent before Dick ventured from his
hiding-place and came, safe and sound, but aching with cold and bruises,
to the door of the Goat and Bagpipes. As the law required, there was
neither fire nor candle in the house; but he groped his way into a corner
of the icy guest-room, found an end of a blanket, which he hitched around
his shoulders, and creeping close to the nearest sleeper, was soon lost
in slumber.
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