CHAPTER XI.

BARKILPHEDRO IN AMBUSCADE.

To find the vulnerable spot in Josiana, and to strike her there, was,

for all the causes we have just mentioned, the imperturbable

determination of Barkilphedro. The wish is sufficient; the power is

required. How was he to set about it? There was the question.

Vulgar vagabonds set the scene of any wickedness they intend to commit

with care. They do not feel themselves strong enough to seize the

opportunity as it passes, to take possession of it by fair means or

foul, and to constrain it to serve them. Deep scoundrels disdain

preliminary combinations. They start from their villainies alone, merely

arming themselves all round, prepared to avail themselves of various

chances which may occur, and then, like Barkilphedro, await the

opportunity. They know that a ready-made scheme runs the risk of fitting

ill into the event which may present itself. It is not thus that a man

makes himself master of possibilities and guides them as one pleases.

You can come to no previous arrangement with destiny. To-morrow will not

obey you. There is a certain want of discipline in chance.

Therefore they watch for it, and summon it suddenly, authoritatively, on

the spot. No plan, no sketch, no rough model; no ready-made shoe

ill-fitting the unexpected. They plunge headlong into the dark. To turn

377

The Man Who Laughs