He was within a few hours of giving his enemies the slip forever

He was within a few hours of giving his enemies the slip forever

In the context of Laurence Sterne's work, the phrase "He was within a few hours of giving his enemies the slip forever" could refer to the protagonist of his famous novel, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman." This novel is known for its experimental and unconventional narrative style, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, fate, and the nature of storytelling.