"Hope deferred" was just on the point of being attended with the usual
consequences, when, taking another peep through a crevice, constructed
for putting into effect a more efficient system of examination, he
beheld a phenomenon as unlooked for as it was incomprehensible. He
rubbed his eyes, strongly persuaded that some rigorous discipline was
necessary. He pinched his fingers, shook himself--was he really awake?
or--he took another peep, still it was there; nor crossings,
ejaculations, nor other established contrivances had any effect. The
vision that caused all this disturbance was the great banner of the
Bradshaigh on the tower, curling full and stately in the breeze. Wonders
and misfortunes rarely come unattended. Grim's appetite for the
marvellous was now in danger of suffering as much from repletion as
before from inanity, and he had just summoned his dame for a special
council, when his ears were assailed by a furious ding-dong. Stroke
upon stroke, huge, heavy, and unceasing, followed each other in rapid
succession. It was the great bell, used only on occasions of emergency
and importance, the hoarse tongue of which had been silent since the day
of Sir William's departure.
Pages:
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151