I am resolute for the rest." "What will you use--dirk ?" "Yes--it is silent in its office, and not less sure.

Are all asleep, think you--your wife ?" "Quite so--sound when I entered the chamber." "Well, the sooner to business the better.

Is there water in that pitcher?
I am strangely thirsty to-night; brandy were not amiss at such a time." And speaking this to himself, as it were, Rivers approached the side-table, where stood the commodities he sought.

In this approach the maiden had a more perfect view of the malignities of his savage face; and as he left the table, and again commenced a brief conversation in an under-tone with Munro, no longer doubting the dreadful object which they had in view, she seized the opportunity with as much speed as was consistent with caution and her trembling nerves, to leave the place of espionage, and seek her chamber.
But to what purpose had she heard all this, if she suffered the fearful deed to proceed to execution?
The thought was momentary, but carried to her heart, in that moment, the fullest conviction of her duty.
She rushed hurriedly again into the passage--and, though apprehending momentarily that her knees would sink from under her, took her way up the narrow flight of steps leading into the second story, and to the youth's chamber.

As she reached the door, a feminine scruple came over her.