After everything was done, but the opening of
the doors, Talbot went back through the house, and, on appearing at the
front door of the mansion, was met by the officer, who inquired for Mr.
Belcher. Mr. Talbot let him in, calling for a servant at the same time,
and went out and closed the door behind him.
Simultaneously with this movement, the stable-doors flew open, and the
horses sprang out upon the street, and were half a mile on their way to
one of the upper ferries, leading to Jersey City, before the officer
could get an answer to his inquiries for Mr. Belcher. Mr. Belcher had
been there only five minutes before, but he had evidently gone out. He
would certainly be back to dinner. So the officer waited until convinced
that his bird had flown, and until the proprietor was across the river
in search of a comfortable bed among the obscure hotels of the town.
It had been arranged that Talbot should secure a state-room on the
Aladdin to sail on the following day, and make an arrangement with the
steward to admit Mr. Belcher to it on his arrival, and assist in keeping
him from sight.
Mr. Belcher sent back his carriage by the uppermost ferry, ate a
wretched dinner, and threw himself upon his bed, where he tossed his
feverish limbs until day-break.
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