Page:Edgar Huntly, or The Sleep Walker.djvu/75

 My deductions were not, on this occasion, peculiarly distressful. The return of darkness had added nothing to my apprehensions; I regarded Wiatte merely as one against whose malice it was wise to employ the most vigilant precautions: in revolving these precautions, nothing occurred that was new; the danger appeared without unusual aggravations, and the expedients that offered themselves to my choice were viewed with a temper not more sanguine or despondent than before.

In this state of mind I began and continued my walk. The distance was considerable between my own habitation and that which I had left: my way lay chiefly through populous and well-frequented streets: in one part of the way, however, it was at the option of the passenger either to keep along the large streets, or considerably to shorten the journey by turning into a dark, crooked, and narrow lane. Being familiar with every part of this metropolis, and deeming it advisable to take the shortest and obscurest road, I turned into the alley; I proceeded without interruption to the next turning: one night officer, distinguished by his usual ensigns, was the only person who passed me. I had gone three steps beyond, when I perceived a man by my side: I had scarcely time to notice this circumstance, when a hoarse voice exclaimed—'D—n ye, villain—ye're a dead man!'

"At the same moment a pistol flashed at my ear, and a report followed. This, however, produced no other effect than, for a short space, to overpower my senses: I staggered back, but did not fall.

"The ball, as I afterwards discovered, had grazed my forehead, but without making any dangerous impression; The assassin, perceiving that his pistol had been ineffectual, muttered, in an enraged tone—'This shall do your business!'— At the same time he drew a knife forth from his bosom.

"I was able to distinguish this action by the rays of a distant lamp, which glistened on the blade. All this passed in an instant; the attack was so abrupt, that my thoughts could not be suddenly recalled from the confusion into which they were thrown: my exertions were mechanical,