Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/179

 Hitherto the death of the savage whom I had despatched with my hatchet, had not been remembered without some remorse; now my emotions were totally changed: I was somewhat comforted in thinking that thus much of necessary vengeance had been executed. New and more vehement regrets were exerted by reflecting on the forbearance I had practised when so much was in my power: all the miscreants had been at my mercy, and a bloody retribution might with safety and ease have been inflicted on their prostrate bodies.

It was now too late. What of consolation or of hope remained to me? To return to my ancient dwelling, now polluted with blood, or perhaps nothing but a smoking ruin, was abhorred: life, connected with remembrance of my misfortunes was detestable; I was no longer anxious for flight: no change of the scene but that which terminated all consciousness, could I endure to think of.

Amidst these gloomy meditations, the idea was suddenly suggested of returning with the utmost expedition to the cavern. It was possible that the assassins were still asleep: he who was appointed to watch, and to make in due season the signal for resuming their march, was for ever silent: without this signal it was not unlikely that they would sleep till dawn of day: but if they should be roused, they might be overtaken or met, and by choosing a proper station, two victims might at least fall; the ultimate event to myself would surely be fatal; but my own death was an object of desire rather than of dread: to die thus speedily, and after some atonement was made for those who had already been slain, was sweet.

The way to the mountain was difficult and tedious; but the ridge was distinctly seen from the door of the cottage, and I trusted that auspicious chance would lead me to that part of it where my prey was to be found. I snatched up the gun and tomahawk in a transport of eagerness: on examining the former, I found that both barrels were deeply loaded.

This piece was of extraordinary workmanship: it was the legacy of an English officer, who died in Bengal, to