I stepped out of my den, reeking with spoils which I would much
rather have left undisturbed in their dark recesses.
Preparing for my departure, and a visit to my relation in the nearly
adjoining town, who as yet had no other intimation of my arrival than a
hasty note, to apprise him that I had once more set foot on English
ground, and intended to visit him before my return, I stepped again to
the window. Darkness was fast gathering about me; a heavy scud was
driven rapidly across the heavens, and the wind wailed in short and
mournful gusts past the chamber. The avenue was just visible from the
spot where I stood; and, looking down, I thought I could discern more
than one dark object moving apparently towards the house. It may be
readily conceived that I beheld their approach with an interest by no
means free from apprehension; and it was not long ere two beings, in
human habiliments, were distinctly seen at a short distance from the
gate by which I had entered. Feeling myself an intruder, and not being
very satisfactorily prepared to account for my forcible entry into the
premises, and the injury I had committed on the property of a stranger,
I drew hastily aside, determined to effect a retreat whenever and
wherever it might be in my power.
Pages:
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794