When the Apothecary who had set _Father's_ Leg came in, however, he confirmed the general Opinion that there had been a smart Shock of an Earthquake, and added that it had been accompanied by what we had not noticed, namely, a loud crashing or crackling Noise. Everybody that came into the Shop spoke about it; and there was a general Uncomfortableness and Sense of Insecurity. In the Dusk of Evening, Dr. _Elwes_ looked in on us; and while he remained, Mr. _Fenwick_ came in. Both spoke of the Earthquake, though my _Father_ would not entirely give into it till it was positively ascertained that no Mill had blown up. Dr. _Elwes_ said that the Shock had been felt on both Sides of the River, as far as _Greenwich_, and remarked that the natural Phenomena of the last Month had surely been such as to awaken the careless and solemnize the thoughtful Mind. "For Instance," says he, "the new Year was ushered in by a very remarkable Appearance in the Heavens, of a dusky red Light that seemed to gather into a Focus southward, emitting brilliant Coruscations. I was warm in Bed and asleep at the Time, but I heard it from those who saw it, and it was in the public Prints." I here put in that I had seen it; being on Watch over my _Father_ at the Time, who was then in his Deliration. I had seen a red Light glowing through the white Window-Curtains, and on going to look out, perceived such a ruddy Glow in the Sky that I had surmised a dreadful, distant Fire somewhere. And again, a few Weeks after, _Prue_ and I were wakened in the Night by such an awful Storm of Thunder, Lightning, Rain, Sleet, and Hail, accompanied by terrific Blasts of Wind, as seemed to go nigh to shake the House to Pieces. "I slept through it all," said my _Father_.--"However, _Patty_ does not exaggerate, for the Mischief done by that Tempest at _Bristol_ was immense, and filled the Inhabitants with Consternation." "I wonder what it all means," said _Prudence_ ruefully. "Means!" repeated my _Father_, with Contempt. "It means that we should watch," said Mr. _Fenwick_, mildly, "since our LORD will come at an Hour we know not of. Many poor People in _Shoreditch_ came to me in great Alarm, to ask me if I thought the End of the World was coming. I told them I knew no more then they did, for that of that Hour knoweth no Man; no, not the Angels in Heaven, but only the FATHER; but that what our SAVIOUR had said to his own Disciples, he had said unto all--'Watch!'"