Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/171

 and his legs hanging over the precipice, I now beheld the savage who left the cave before me: the noise of the cascade, and the improbability of interruption, at least from this quarter, had made him inattentive to my motions.

I paused. Along this verge lay the only road by which I could escape: the passage was completely occupied by this antagonist: to advance towards him, or to remain where I was, would produce the same effect—I should, in either case, be detected. He was unarmed; but his outcries would instantly summon his companions to his aid: I could not hope to overpower him, and pass him in defiance of his opposition; but if this were effected, pursuit would be instantly commenced: I was unacquainted with the way; the way was unquestionably difficult: my strength was nearly annihilated; I should be overtaken in a moment, or their deficiency in speed would be supplied by the accuracy of their aim: their bullets, at least, would reach me.

There was one method of removing this impediment: the piece which I held in my hand was cocked; there could be no doubt that it was loaded—a precaution of this kind would never be omitted by a warrior of this hue: at a greater distance than this, I should not fear to reach the mark. Should I not discharge it, and at the same moment rush forward to secure the road which my adversary's death would open to me?

Perhaps you will conceive a purpose like this to have argued a sanguinary and murderous disposition. Let it be remembered, however, that I entertained no doubts about the hostile designs of these men: this was sufficiently indicated by their arms, their guise, and the captive who attended them. Let the fate of my parents be likewise remembered: I was not certain but that these very men were the assassins of my family, and were those who had reduced me and my sisters to the condition of orphans and dependants. No words can describe the torment of my thirst: relief to these torments, and safety to my life were within view. How could I hesitate?

Yet I did hesitate: my aversion to bloodshed was not to be subdued but by the direst necessity. I knew, indeed, that the discharge of a musket would only alarm the enemies