and as busy as real life, all sprung up in one night from the wilderness. Or what is more probable, some tremendous convulsion of nature has thrown London or Amsterdam on the shores of New England. Or possibly I may be dreaming, though the night seems rather long, but before now I have sailed in one night to Amsterdam, bought goods of Vandogger, and returned to Boston before morning." At this moment a hue and cry was heard, "stop the madmen, they will endanger the lives of thousands!" In vain hundreds attempted to stop Rugg's horse; Lightfoot interfered with nothing, his course was straight as a shooting star. But on my part, fearful that before night I should find myself behind the Alleghanies, I addressed Mr. Rugg in a tone of entreaty, and requested him to restrain the horse and permit me to alight. "My friend," said he, "we shall be in Boston before dark, and dame Rugg will be most exceeding glad to see us." "Mr. Rugg," said I, "you must excuse me. Pray look to the west and see that thunder cloud swelling with rage as if in pursuit of us." "Ah," said Rugg, "it is all in vain to attempt to escape.
