Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/113

 repetition of my visit, and, at the same time, our interview would not be attended with so much surprise. The more I revolved these reflections, the greater force they acquired. At length I determined to withdraw; and leaving the food where it could scarcely fail of attracting his notice, I returned by the way that I had come. I had scarcely reached home when a messenger from Inglefield arrived, requesting me to spend the succeeding night at his house, as some engagement had occurred to draw him to the city.

I readily complied with this request. It was no: necessary, however, to be early in my visit; I deferred going till the evening was far advanced. My way led under the branches of the elm which recent events had rendered so memorable: hence my reflections reverted to the circumstances which had lately occurred in connection with this tree.

I paused for some time under its shade; I marked the spot where Clithero had been discovered digging: it showed marks of being unsettled, but the sod which had formerly covered it, and which had lately been removed, was now carefully replaced. This had not been done by him on that occasion in which I was a witness of his behaviour; the earth was then hastily removed, and as hastily thrown again into the hole from which it had been taken.

Some curiosity was naturally excited by this appearance: either some other person, or Clithero, on a subsequent occasion, had been here. I was now likewise led to reflect on the possible motives that prompted the maniac to turn up this earth: there is always some significance in the actions of a sleeper: somewhat was, perhaps, buried in this spot connected with the history of Mrs. Lorimer, or of Clarice. Was it not possible to ascertain the truth in this respect?

There was but one method: by carefully uncovering this hole, and digging as deep as Clithero had already dug, it would quickly appear whether any thing was hidden. To do this publicly by daylight was evidently indiscreet: besides, a moment's delay was superfluous; the night had now fallen, and before it was past this new undertaking might be finished: an interview was, if possible, to be gained with