Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/223

 I was acquainted with the owner of this mansion: he merited esteem and confidence, and could not fail to be informed of recent events. From him I should obtain all the information that I needed, and I should be delivered from some part of the agonies of my suspense; I should reach his door in a few minutes, and the window light was a proof that my entrance at this hour would not disturb the family, some of whom were stirring.

Through a gate I entered an avenue of tall oaks, that led to the house. I could not but reflect on the effect which my appearance would produce upon the family.—The sleek locks, neat apparel, pacific guise, sobriety and gentleness of aspect by which I was customarily distinguished, would in vain be sought in the apparition which would now present itself before them: my legs, neck, and bosom were bare, and their native hue was exchanged for the livid marks of bruises and scarifications; a horrid scar upon my cheek, and my uncombed locks, hollow eyes, made ghastly by abstinence and cold, and the ruthless passions of which my mind had been the theatre, added to the musket which I carried in my hand, would prepossess them with the notion of a maniac or ruffian.

Some inconveniences might hence arise; which, however, could not be avoided: I must trust to the speed with which my voice and my words should disclose my true character and rectify their mistake.

I now reached the principal door of the house: it was open, and I unceremoniously entered. In the midst of the room stood a German stove, well heated. To thaw my half-frozen limbs was my first care: meanwhile I gazed around me, and marked the appearances of things.

Two lighted candles stood upon the table; beside them were cider bottles and pipes of tobacco. The furniture and room was in that state which denoted it to have been lately filled with drinkers and smokers; yet neither voice, nor visage, nor motion, was any where observable: I listened; but neither above nor below, within nor without, could any tokens of a human being be perceived.

This vacancy and silence must have been lately preceded by noise, concourse, and bustle. The contrast was