Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/11

11 crossed his mind, and, issuing immediate orders for his clan to assemble, he gave directions for Malvina to lie in state till his return; and before noon, attended by a numerous band, he quitted Glenross, directing his route to the forest.

It was near evening when they reached the spot, pointed out by the attendants as the place where Wallace was torn from them. The clan separated in two divisions, and strict search was made throughout every part of the forest; but in vain! the fugitive could not be found, though his horse, stript of his trappings, was discovered loose in the woods.

Night arrived without any farther information, and after erecting a small tent for the shelter of their lord, the tired vassals kindled a fire, stretched themselves around it, and forgot the fatigues of the day in sound repose. Roderick stood leaning on his spear and musing upon his loss, when a sudden blast of wind blew the almost expiring embers into a blaze, and by the reflection of its light, he beheld standing near the flame, the hag he had twice before beheld in the woods of Glenross. The fire cast a blue, and supernatural appearance over her figure, and as he gazed on her, Roderick's fortitude forsook him and superstitious fears blanched his cheeks

At length he gained sufficient composure to utter "Mysterious Being, who art thou for ever the harbinger of ill, Who art thou?" "Thy evil genius, Roderick (returned the hag), thy murmurs against the supreme disposer of all events, has given me power over thee. Roderick enjoyed not the blessings he possessed, Roderick pined for an heir:—Whom seekest thou laird of Glenross; the son of Strathmore! fifteen years ago, in the woods of Glenross thou heardst his knell!" "Slave!—liar! (ejaculated Roderick) what ho! my faithful vassals, rise and secure this wretch!" As he spoke, he approached her: but extending her arm, she touched his spear with his hand, and brittle as glass it shivered in countless atoms, whilst spell-bound, he remained rooted to the spot, then waving her wand over the sleeping vassals, she exclaimed.—"Till the sun passes