Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/182

 this avenue; but this could not be done with certainty and expedition. What then remained? While I deliberated, the men approached, and after a moment's hesitation, entered the house, the door being partly open.

The fire on the hearth enabled them to survey the room: one of them uttered a sudden exclamation of surprise. This was easily interpreted:—they had noticed the girl who had lately been their captive, lying asleep on the blanket: their astonishment at finding her here, and in this condition, may be easily conceived.

I now reflected that I might place myself, without being observed, near the entrance, at an angle of the building, and shoot at each as he successively came forth. I perceived that the bank conformed to two sides of the house, and that I might gain a view of the front and of the entrance without exposing myself to observation.

I lost no time in gaining this station. The bank was as high as my breast: it was easy, therefore, to crouch beneath it, to bring my eye close to the verge, and, laying my gun upon the top of it among the grass, with its muzzles pointed to the door, patiently to wait their forthcoming.

My eye and my ear were equally attentive to what was passing: a low and muttering conversation was maintained in the house. Presently I heard a heavy stroke descend. I shuddered, and my blood ran cold at the sound: I entertained no doubt but that it was the stroke of a hatchet on the head or breast of the helpless sleeper.

It was followed by a loud shriek: the continuance of these shrieks proved that the stroke had not been instantly fatal. I waited to hear it repeated; but the sounds that now arose were like those produced by dragging somewhat along the ground: the shrieks, meanwhile, were incessant and piteous. My heart faltered, and I saw that mighty efforts must be made to preserve my joints and my nerves steadfast:—all depended on the strenuous exertions and the fortunate dexterity of a moment.

One now approached the door, and came forth dragging the girl, whom he held by the hair, after him. What hindered me from shooting at his first appearance, I know not; this had been my previous resolution: my hand touched