Chapter 11 Chapter 8 The Devil in New Hope-2

During the voyage, the "Prophet Daniel" encountered a huge storm, which completely exceeded the captain's expectations. In late August, during a stormy day, they finally sighted land.The first assistant who has worked in the New Scotland trade for many years suggested to the captain that he could enter the port of New Hope and wait for the southeast wind to subside before going to sea.The captain accepted this suggestion, and at night, they anchored in a relatively quiet port. Dunburn is a strong swimmer with a lot of experience.That night, as night fell, he jumped out of the boat, dived under the brig, and swam slowly to the port side of the ship, while everyone on board was looking for him or him on the starboard side of the Prophet Daniel. his body.He swam about a mile to land.As darkness settled in, he saw an old wooden building, which seemed to be a church, and a tall brick building with a sloping chimney, on land not far away.

The water in this part of America was freezing cold, and though Dunburn was used to swimming, when he reached the pebbly beach he lay dead for a long time.The cold had soaked into his bones, his limbs were stiff, and his strength was almost gone.After a long time, he slowly regained consciousness, but his legs still twitched and trembled from time to time, and he could hardly control himself, shaking all over his body.Finally, with a deep sigh, he woke himself up, and looked around, feeling dejected.Although he has regained consciousness, the endless sound of the tide lapping on the shore makes him uneasy.The wind was strong, the waves were high, and they rushed from the port to the shore, foaming white foam.Above the huge wind and waves, there is a humid and gloomy night sky. In the darkness, only slanted and dense rain lines can be seen, which makes people feel chills.

Through the mist and gloom, in the rain of the night, Dunburn saw a faint light far away.Seeing the existence of human beings nearby, the young gentleman seemed very happy. He immediately gathered all his strength and stood up. Go for the exciting light. After battling hard against the storm, he reached at last the dark, square building with its shining lights.The building he saw was a small two-story wooden church, with shutters on the first floor closed as if screws had been screwed in from the inside.The upper window was open, and it was the light from there that had guided him here from the beach.The wooden steps were high, slippery in the rain, and he reached a small, attached corridor or vestibule to the second story of the church, where there was a door, tightly shut.

Standing there, Dunburn seemed to be able to make out the voice of a dull man who he thought might be a missionary.The young gentleman was, as one might imagine, in peril.At this time, he was unwashed and unshaven, and the only clothes he had were the ragged shirt and breeches that barely covered him throughout the journey.These old and dirty clothes were very uncomfortable because they were wet and stuck to the skin tightly.But he admits that he does not have enough mental capacity to endure the great pain caused by the contemptuous eyes of strangers.Therefore, he found a place in the church vestibule, curled himself up in a corner, wrapped his shabby clothes tightly, and decided to find a little warmth there and drive away the cold and cold wind.When he huddled in the corner, he heard many dull, sighing voices coming from the huge building, and then, from time to time, there were many clinking sounds of iron chains.To his surprise, the door near him suddenly opened, and a person came up with a lantern. A beam of faint red light illuminated the passage, and another figure followed him up.Dunburn had realized that this was a group of unprotected mourning naked people.When they came out, they could be seen in general outline in the dim light behind them.The wretched wretches sighed, groaned, and wailed monotonously, and their wrists were all chained, two at a time.As they passed near Dunburn, the heavy stench from the room and from those unfortunates who passed him almost knocked him down.

As the last wretch came out of that dreadful house, there came a sudden, loud cry, so close to Dunburn that it buzzed his ears, the voice cried: "All 26!" Immediately, the lights from inside went out. Immediately afterwards, the surroundings darkened again, and the silence returned. At this time, except for the sound of the rain outside the window, the patter of raindrops on the roof, and the sound of rainwater flowing along the eaves to the underground puddle, Dunburn never heard of it again. No other sounds can be heard. Then he stood up, very surprised at what he had just discovered.At this moment there was a loud and startling crash, as if the trapdoor had fallen.The lights came on again in the dimly lit room, as if a person had come out with a lantern.Then there was another jingle, as if of keys, and then the sound of approaching footsteps and a conversation between two people.Suddenly two figures appeared in the vestibule, one holding a ship's lantern, and the other behind him closed and locked the door.It could be seen that they did not notice Dunburn and were about to turn around and leave.Suddenly, the light from the top of the lantern fell on a pale, sad face, and Dunburn knew at once that he had been spotted.

Immediately afterwards, the lantern was moved to his eyes, and in the light, he saw a pistol quickly pressed against his forehead. At this moment, the young gentleman's life was at stake, his brain was blank, and his ears were buzzing like a swarm of flies flying around.Suddenly a voice broke the silence: "Who are you and what do you want to do?" "Honestly," said Dunburn, "I don't know." "What are you doing here?" "I don't even know what I'm doing here." The man held up the lantern, and the light fell on Dunburn's face.Then his companion asked, "How did you get here?"

At this point, Dunburn was considering how to answer his question. "It's not my fault," he cried, "I was knocked out and kidnapped in England, and they were going to sell me in Baltimore. The ship that was carrying me came into port later, trying to wait for the weather to When I left the port again, I took the opportunity to jump off the boat, swim to the shore, and ended up here by accident.” "So, are you educated? That's what you say." "Yes, I'm educated," said Dunburn, "I've been fairly well educated, and I'd be a man if I had the chance. But what's the use?" he cried in despair, " I'd rather not have so much education, and just be a beggar in the undergrowth, it might be better for me." Another man waved the lantern at him again, and looked at the young gentleman's embarrassed, naked face. The way you step on your feet. "I have an idea," he said, "that you can bang your head against the wall, but now I have another idea to make you useful, and I'll spare your life for now and see how you behave Sample."

He said so much more as a joke.The young gentleman shouted loudly: "I will not submit to you just because you spared my life, but I still have to say that if you don't kill me this time, you may never have such a good chance again." The words seemed to tickle someone else's itch, and he let out a huge, raucous maniacal laugh, and then he took the pistol back and put it back in his coat pocket. "Come with me, and I'll get you something to eat and a decent suit of clothes, all you need," he said.After that, he stopped talking, turned around and left the place with that person, and he didn't make a sound along the way.After leaving the church for a while, the two separated after a brief exchange.

The man who had just spoken to Dunburn led the way, and the young gentleman followed him, and the two walked a long distance through a long wet meadow in the stormy night, and at last came to a Fenced grounds, standing in front of the huge, palatial house built of brick.There was still silence all around. The mysterious guide, still carrying his lantern, led Dunburn directly up a wide staircase.Opening the door, he led him through the magnificent corridor, and then walked to the dining room in front.There the young gentleman saw a long mahogany table with three or four candles on it, and a carved mahogany sideboard.The guide gave a cry, and a Negro servant appeared, whom the master of the house ordered to fetch some bread, cheese, and a bottle of rum for the unfortunate guest.The servant immediately turned and left.The master sat down at his leisure, and looked at Dunburn for a long time, when suddenly he asked the young gentleman what his name was.

Dunburn didn't answer his question, because he had been miserably abused for telling others the truth on the boat, and he didn't know whether to admit or deny his identity now.He is not good at lying, so he hesitated a little and decided to remain anonymous.After making his decision, he said his name was Tom Robinson.However, this person neither noticed his hesitation nor his alias, but fell into deep thought instead.He ordered the young gentleman to sit down, and told him the story of his adventures.He advises him to tell the truth and not to hide these things, however unseemly they may be. "Indeed," said he, "whatever your crime may be, the more intolerable your crime is, the happier I am, because only then can you help me to my purpose."

Encouraged, the young gentleman flattered his master as much as he could, and began to invent stories.Of course, most of the plots come from the stories he collected about Colonel Jack, and some plots also come from Mr. Smollett's novels about Ferdinand.In the story, he is full of evil, despicable and shameless.At the same time, to his surprise, he discovered that lying was not as difficult as he thought.The master listened for a long time without saying a word, and at last he had to stop the penitent. "Tell me the truth, sir," he cried, "I don't believe what you say at all, but I am satisfied with one thing I find in you, and I have reason to believe that you are a most absurd liar, and you are very Like a guy I met a long time ago. But I'm sure a guy who can keep his composure when he tells a lie is scary, like you did. Even if you haven't committed a crime, done nothing treacherous, but Your ability to tell lies is a perfect fit for my requirements, though I'd rather have you as an escaped criminal, or a murderer, or a thief." "Sir," said Dunburn gravely, "I'm sorry, but I may not be what you want, and as you say, I've found it easy to lie too, and if you give me enough time, I dare say I can Feed your imagination by becoming an expert in other or more crimes. I can't bring myself to be a murderer, and I don't want to be an arsonist, but I can easily learn to cheat at cards, or, if If it pleases you, I can forge a check for a hundred pounds in your name. But I have no idea why you would choose me for such a wicked and disreputable thing." Hearing these words, the man burst out laughing. "I promise," he exclaimed, "you're the coolest badass I've ever met. But come on," he said, calming down quickly, "what did you say your name was?" "I must declare, sir," said Dunburn frankly, "that I have quite forgotten whether my name is Tom or John Robinson." The man laughed again. "Well," he said, "what does it matter? Thomas or John, it doesn't matter. I understand you're a rude, filthy beggar, and I'm sure you'd be a runaway servant. Worst case you say, anyway, you are very suitable for my request. As for the name, I will give you a suitable and will be the best name. In this house, I will give you A home that gives you enough clothes for three months to look like an aristocrat. You can live your best life and have access to a lot of high society people in the colonies. But only if you do what I teach you Do, come and spend these three months, I will treat you well, how is it, is the deal?" Dunburn sat there a moment thinking gravely. "First," he said, "I must know what you call me." The man looked at him suspiciously, and then, as if with a sudden decision, said aloud: "What, so what? What is it? Why should I be afraid? I tell you, your name is Frederick Dunburn, you are the second son of Earl Clendenier." At this moment, even if a thunderclap fell under Dunburn's feet, he would not be so completely incapable of speech as he was when he heard these startling words.For a long time after that, he didn't know where to look, or what to think, and he was completely stunned.At this time, the black servant came in and brought a bottle of rum, bread and cheese.At the sound of the door being opened, the young gentleman recovered from his shock, and suddenly burst into laughter, which sounded so harsh and dissonant that Captain Obadiah stared at him as if his rudeness Traders suddenly lose their minds. Four Belinda Belford was the only daughter of William Belford, a young lady who had no pretensions to look at, and a dignified womanhood.Indeed, she was unanimously considered by many eminent connoisseurs the most admirable beauty in the northern colonies.She is of medium height, with a round figure and graceful posture, which is unforgettable.Her hair is brown and black, very soft, and sometimes rolled up and stuck to her snow-white neck, making people mistaken for black.Her eyeballs are brown, exuding a liquid-like luster that can melt people; her nose is not big, but it is straight and delicate, like a finishing touch, bringing her infinite charm.No matter on any occasion, as long as she appears, it will attract the attention of the audience. Her name always appears in the topics of discussion after tea and dinner in the first fortress town in the northern province. Mrs. Belford and her lovely daughter were merrily entertaining a company of friends, and passed a busy and pleasant morning of high society, with tea and chatter.Suddenly, Colonel Belford rushed in, looking very excited, even a bit groggy. "Honey! Honey!" he cried, "I have good news for you! It's unbelievable, incredible! Ladies, guess who's in A New Hope? No, you won't guess, I have to To enlighten you. Here comes Frederick, second son of the Earl. Yes, you look surprised, I saw him and spoke to him this morning, less than half an hour ago. He was Traveling here incognito, my brother Obadiah recognized him and is now entertaining him in the new house. I heard that many officials from the fort gathered there to play cards and dice with the lads. That noble The young gentleman recognized me as soon as he saw me. 'This is—' said he, 'if I am not mistaken, you must be Colonel Belford, a dear friend of my papa.'" He went on: "He was a funniest, outspoken young man, very active and graceful, very much like his esteemed father." As he imagined, the news caused an immediate commotion among all present. "My dear," exclaimed Mrs. Belford, with her exaggerated surprise at hearing of Colonel Belford's news. : "Honey, why didn't you bring him over for us to see? You lost such a good opportunity!" "To tell the truth, my dear," said Colonel Belford, "I did not forget to invite him here, and he affirmed that nothing would be better than being here if it had not been for an appointment with some young gentlemen from the Fort." Make him happy. But, trust me, I won't let him go without knowing the time of his next visit. Tomorrow at two o'clock he will have lunch with us. Belinda, dear," at this moment, Colonel Belford noticed his daughter's flushed face. "You have to look your best, because this is a fairly formal occasion. I'm sure a gentleman has a unique taste for women." "Don't worry, father," cried the young lady, lively and lovely, "I won't let the young gentleman see any indecentness, I swear to you, I promise." She said energetically: "I don't understand Why didn't he tell us in advance when he came to New Hope that you are his father's secret correspondent. I don't believe that the hospitality of Uncle Obadiah's family can surpass ours." "Darling," said Colonel Belford calmly, "you say these words to show that you are too rash, considering your dignified position. However, I must explain to you that he came to America by accident this time. It must have been accidental, or else he would not have been anonymous, and if my brother Obadiah had not recognized him, we might not have known of his coming! He said he had no desire to visit New Hope at all, He certainly would not have come if Captain Obadiah had not urged him to do so." Miss Belinda has always been favored by her parents, she did not respond to her father's scolding, but raised her head arrogantly, pursing her cherry mouth. The young lady did not lessen her consideration of the matter for which she was reproached, despite her assertions that she greeted their expected guests with charisma.Therefore, when her father brought her in front of the distinguished guests, because of the existence of this emotion, her face was bright and her eyes sparkled. The young gentleman was immediately attracted, and stood there staring at her blankly, Not knowing what to do, he even forgot to behave gracefully when visiting. He soon came to his senses, however, introduced himself, and sat down at the dinner table to engage in a free, lively conversation and mutual banter with his female companion, who he found to be no less intelligent than her female counterpart charm. "Indeed, ma'am," he exclaimed, "I am now very grateful for the accident that has befallen me. On the road from England to America, many things have happened beyond my imagination. What a beautiful view here How rich nature is! Ma'am, how elegant it looks!" he said passionately, "Your country is truly a paradise." "Indeed, sir," said the young lady also cheerfully, "I don't want to take your compliments as a compliment, and I assure you that I never knew a young gentleman who, in the midst of his troubles, did not cease to enjoy Paradise." "Certainly," said our hero, "it is a luxury for a young man to be able to visit the saint's residence, let alone conversing with a beautiful woman—" "Are you sure there are beautiful women in England?" asked the young lady. "In America, you must satisfy the demands of high society within the framework of the current constitution." "Indeed, ma'am," said the young gentleman, "your words force me to confess that in high society, most of what I do is to satisfy my own hobbies, and I seldom have the opportunity to communicate with beautiful women." In addition to lively banter, sometimes the conversation will be accompanied by more serious topics.In short, the young gentleman finished his lunch happily.After dinner they had a pipe in the arbor, and a walk in the garden, and at last Dunburn had done his part well, and walked back feeling very, very happy.How sharp her intellect is!How beautiful her appearance is!He smirked, soaking in the pleasant memories. The young gentleman was favored by the heavens. He had a tall and straight figure, a high nose bridge, and beautiful thin cheeks. It was obvious that he had received a good education.As far as Belinda was concerned, she had never seen a gentleman who was as elegant and noble as described in Richard's novels before.She didn't know it herself, but he had been deeply etched into her memory.She tried her best to hide her emotions, but she looked so pale and weak.At this moment, if someone discovered her thoughts, she would definitely feel extremely humiliated. Though our lady enjoys such pleasures in her silly dreams, the reader must understand that she is so dignified that she must veil these foolish, romantic fancies of her own, and clothe them with elaborate garments.She was going to make him ten times more attracted to her when he saw her the next afternoon than the last time. There is no doubt that the young lady knows how to make the most of such opportunities, she has a lot of experience in pleasing the opposite sex, both sweet and tormenting them, attracting their stares at night, Allow them to have bizarre fantasies during the day. Thus came the end of the month, and the young gentleman did not know whether this life would continue for a few weeks or a few years. He was so intoxicated with sweetness that he no longer considered time, and everyone else thought he had been swallowed up by high society.He would not play cards and dice as usual, and he was growing impatient with spending time with the people of society at Belford Palace, and would indulge again as soon as he was freed from them. in one's own passion. Meanwhile, Captain Obadiah, accustomed to the presence of his guests, made no pretense of his dreadful deeds, which continually terrorized the people of the district.Of course, the West Indian had been secretly watching his diners. One day in October, the weather was fine, and the young gentleman spent most of the afternoon socializing in high society.Though the leaves were withered, through the thinning branches he could see the golden sun beaming alluringly.Our hero is so passionate that every time he leaves her house, he flies up like a feather, whether it is the warmth brought by the sun or the fever caused by the burning passion. One day he returned to his hideous home by way of the old chapel.Suddenly he came across the patron, Captain Obadiah, who was directing the burial of three victims of his wicked commerce, who died that afternoon, two of whom had already been buried, and the third thrown In the newly dug tomb, people around are filling it with soil.Obadiah stood nearby, smoking leisurely and calmly.In the setting sun, his red suit looked like a flame.Folding his ivory-tipped cane with his hands folded, he turns when our hero approaches, looks at him with an evil look, grins, and greets him like a clown, uneasy at first glance. kindly. "How is our dear one doing this afternoon?" asked Captain Obadiah. You can imagine what it would be like for a person who is happily wandering in heaven to be suddenly beaten into a filthy hell, and you will understand the disgust and revulsion in our protagonist's heart at this moment.He was thinking about it with great interest, when he suddenly woke up from the dream of love and found himself standing in front of the cold and obscene patron, with his rude greeting in his ear. He confessed that he did not dare answer his master at once, so, without a word, he turned and walked away. However, he did not dodge so easily, and before he had walked 20 steps, he heard footsteps coming from behind.Turning his head, he saw Captain Obadiah hurrying after him, waving his cane, and grinning at him incessantly, as if he had seen the most comical thing. "What's the matter!" he cried, with a hasty breath, "what! what! You don't answer, you scoundrel! You're blind! You think you're really the son of a nobleman? Come here, come here, don't piss me off Me boy! I'm not a grim master, I can hear the wind blowing, I've been watching what you do. I know who your lover is, lol you little villain! You're in love My niece, isn't it? Well, the apples are ripe, you should pick them. Marry, be damned, I'll give you £20 on your wedding day if you'll hold her in my hands and serve me. Now you think you Who is it, the filthy beggar in borrowed clothes?" The young gentleman stopped short suddenly, with a pained look on his face, and at the thought of his father's wrath he immediately pulled himself out of the love affair. "Captain Obadiah Belford," he said, "you are the most shameless villain I have ever seen in my life, but if I have the honor of winning the favor of a young lady, I will not die At your service!" Hearing these words, Captain Obadiah was not offended by his honest words, but laughed wildly, with his head thrown back, his jaw shaking exaggeratedly in the sunlight, which shone on his wide, cave-like chest. on the throat. Fives The news that Frederick Dunborn, the second son of the Earl of Clandernie, was going to marry Belinda Belford, the only daughter of Colonel William Belford of New Hope, spread quickly, causing a great stir throughout North America. Great interest among the colonists. The day of the wedding has been fixed, and everything has been arranged, according to the highest standard to entertain the high society guests who come.Captain Obadiah did not attend the ceremony, or come to breakfast.Our captain prowls the halls of his enormous house, smoking and snapping his fingers.He could not help laughing at the imminent realization of his plot, and he believed himself to have his brother, Colonel Belford, under control. The wedding-day came at last, and the feast was a feast of unprecedented splendor, in full display of the richness and nobility of Colonel Belford's family.For the wedding reception, the huge folding doors between the living and dining rooms were opened to reveal a table the length of two flats, laden with ornate plates and china.Many famous people gathered at the table, and the spectacle was extraordinary. At the head of the table, young couples are radiant, completely immersed in the joy and happiness of the present, without thinking about what the future will look like. Just as the wedding banquet reached its climax, there was a sudden quarrel in the corridor, and someone was asking what happened.At this moment Obadiah Belford burst into the room, swinging his ivory-tipped cane, with an apparently malicious look.He addressed the groom directly, ignoring everyone else.He cried out: "Although I don't want to break this happy scene, I will give you the money I promised, and here is the twenty pounds I promised to pay you when you married my niece." Then, he took out a pile of gold coins from his silk wallet and sent them to Xinlang's table.The young gentleman stood up, bowed very politely, and pocketed the money. "Now, young gentleman," cried Captain Obadiah, shaking hands, tucking his cane under his armpit, his eyes exaggerated with malice under his eyebrows, "now, young gentleman, perhaps you should Would be happy to explain to the ladies and gentlemen here the services you have rendered me, for I have paid you." "Of course I would," exclaimed our hero, "it's the best thing in the world I'd like to do." Everyone fell silent, amazed at the strange comment of the intruder, and even the servants stood there with their trays to hear what was going on.The bride suddenly felt a kind of unspeakable anxiety, and her face became paler and paler. She stretched out her hand and grasped her lover's hand tightly, and the groom also took her hand with pleasure.As for Colonel and Mrs. Belford, having no idea what these conversations meant, they sat there like stones, one face ashen, the other flushed.However, the young gentleman looked very calm, pointed to the intruder with his finger, and announced: "Captain Obadiah, gentlemen and ladies, look, this is the most shameless villain I have ever met in my life. Not only stalking my esteemed father-in-law, Colonel Belford, but taking revenge on an innocent young girl of good morals - my current wife. What a shameless man! But his tricks went too far, he used a rope Stumbling on my own feet, I'm going to tell you my true story, which he pressed me to tell, but which I never told. Now that I'm done, you can defend yourself, too." Hearing these unexpected words, Captain Obadiah's triumphant expression gradually disappeared, his face stretched longer and longer, and finally his face was clouded and anxious.He had lost £1,000 and he couldn't hide his humiliation and frustration.In the process of listening, he also showed a malicious smile. The young gentleman began to talk about his adventures, starting with the separation of two companions in New York, and told people about those unforgettable adventures.When he was speaking, Obadiah's face was like a palette, gradually changing from natural brown to sallow, then leaden gray, and finally into the color of death, he was almost stunned up.Big drops of sweat flowed down from his forehead.At last he could bear it no longer, and in a loud, piercing voice, he cried out, "Liar, it's ridiculous! He's a runaway beggar servant I rescued from the rain, and now he's against me, who I've been so Treat him kindly." "Sir," answered the young gentleman, in a soothing and relaxed voice, "I am not speaking a lie, but the truth. If you have any doubts about my truth, here is a letter from my venerable father Mine. Colonel Belford, you are very familiar with my father's handwriting, take a look and tell him if I am deceiving you." After hearing these words, Colonel Belford seemed to be paralyzed, and picked up the letter with trembling hands. When he saw it, all doubts were immediately eliminated, and his emotions immediately relaxed from shock and tension. During this time, the young gentleman turned to Captain Obadiah and said loudly: "Sir, I am indeed the one sent here by God to unmask your evil mask." His kind and earnest expression won everyone's respect, He continued: "I have spent three disgusting months with you, and I know your habits, every detail of your circumstances, and I know you as you know yourself. I Now to tell you how vilely and blasphemously you have turned the old Freedom Grace Chapel into a slave pen where you have been conducting the most vile and most inhumane slave trade with the West Indies for over a year." Hearing this, Captain Obadiah suddenly began to defend himself, laughing wildly. "So what?" he cried. "What's the wicked thing here? I'm just supplying some niggers to the sugar plantations! Could anyone here do better than this, if the chance allowed? I just do Some slave trade, not illegal." "I am amazed," said the young gentleman, "I am amazed that you can so easily overlook such a wicked thing. I have counted more than fifty victims in Rhode Island. Repent, sir, There is still time." To this entreaty Captain Obadiah made no answer, but burst into the most vicious and impudent laughter. "Okay!" said the young gentleman, "do you dare to let me continue to expose you? I have another piece of evidence here, which may make you think about it." After speaking, he took out a white paper from his pocket. A small package wrapped in paper, opened for everyone to see, it is a bright, gorgeous thing. "Here is," he explained, "what I found in Captain Obadiah's writing-desk looking for a wax-sealed letter." It was the gold snuff-box of the late Goodhouse Collector. "Sir," he exclaimed, "how are you going to explain why this thing is in your house? Look, engraved on the lid is the owner's name and the circumstances under which he saved my life. The first person who saw this thing It caught my attention immediately as I recalled my father asking me to give this to my savior. How did it get into your hands? Why have you been hiding it so carefully? Sir, from Mr. Goodhouse之死，我猜想你一定有比贩卖奴隶更罪恶的事情。你的奴隶贸易船上的莫里斯上尉一从牙买加返回来，我就把他逮捕了，逼他说出关于古德郝斯不幸被谋杀的所有情况。” 看到年轻绅士拿出的意想不到的物品时，俄巴底亚的下巴垂了下来，他那深穴一样的嘴张了张，却什么也说不出来了，就好像突然被击瘫了一样。他举起了颤抖的手，慢慢地、机械地摸着那个被火药熏黑的下巴，然后，他突然集中精神，恢复了一度从他身上消失的力量，大声叫道：“我向上帝发誓这是一个意外，我是把他推下了楼梯，但是他跌了下去，自己扭断了脖子。” 年轻的绅士看着他，满脸冷笑。“先生，”他说，“你应该有机会向合适的部门去解释这个意外，除非，”他又说，“你选择从这个地方离开，逃避法律应该给你的公正惩罚。” 俄巴底亚咆哮道：“不管你要怎样，我都不会屈服！我会活着看你受到折磨！我会——”他张开嘴，结结巴巴地说，但却不知道该用什么样的话语来表达自己的愤怒和失望。然后他猛烈地挥着手，推开身边围观的人，转身迅速地走出了房子，留下了一连串的咒骂。 他的到来破坏了喜宴的喜庆气氛，但是刚才年轻的绅士所说的一切却化解了他一进来时给大家带来的巨大疑惑和焦虑，让人们不再考虑这些琐碎的细节。 至于年轻的绅士，他从冒险中走了出来，举止如此高贵、气度如此宽宏正直，使现场的人对这个年轻人有如此的判断力感到十分钦佩。他的新娘，如果在以前把他看成是帕里司和阿基里斯合二为一的人的话，那么现在她认为除此之外，还应该加上智慧的内斯特。 俄巴底亚上尉尽管对敌人暴跳如雷，尽管一再表明要坚持自己的决定，不管结果会怎样，但是没过几天，他突然从新希望神秘地消失了。无论是因为他怀疑自己的正直而不能自制了，还是对自己的图谋失败感到羞耻，反正很明显，他的目的没有得逞。在一个月的时间内，他把更多的财产从他的房子里转移走，装好带到了港口，运到了没有人知道的地方。从此以后，俄巴比亚上尉再也没有在这个地方出现过。 从那以后，老礼拜堂再也没有受到打扰，不过，尽管这个魔鬼已经从他的住处被驱逐出去了，但是老教堂却一直没能祛除他带来的邪恶的名声，直到前面所讲的故事发生十年以后，这个房子才在一场大火中被烧毁了。 在故事即将结束的时候，我们必须说明一点，当尊贵的弗雷德里克·敦伯恩把他的妻子带回高贵的家庭时，一看到她的美丽与活泼，大家就马上忘记了她比敦伯恩的身份地位低这样一个事实。在不到两年的时间之内，他的哥哥卡瑞克福德在佛罗伦萨因生活过渡放荡而死亡，因此，年轻的绅士成为了父亲爵位的唯一法定继承人，这个家庭的两个分支终于合二为一。