Page:Laird of Ardenoaige and the Ghost of Fenhaglen.pdf/8

8 much that he was determined, whatever would be the result, to wage war with the Ghost. Yet there were many objections that arose in his mind. He thought it impossible to conquer a being, that it could put itself into any form or shape, and that could blast him to death in a moment, or tear him in pieces, in an instant, and that he would die an ignominious death, and that his name would be lost for ever in dishonour, and disgrace, and though it would give satisfaction to his few vicious enemies, yet he would be lost for ever to the many that were his friends, and more especially to her that had his form imprinted on his heart. Yet on the other hand, he would rather suffer death in any shape, than lose the honour to which he had aspired, and to become that indocible person, told him by his insiduous friends; but if happily he would come off the victor, he would be more dreaded than envied by his enemies, or rather by her his enemy. Accordingly, next morning as the sun was shading its bright beams through the calm vale of Ardenoaige o'er the green lofty mountains of Almond, when Colin left his father's hall, with his sword belted on his side, and his dog, Shulach, (a large grey hound that always accompanied him in his hunting excursions) he deemed it prudent before proceeding, to let Par nan sgeule, know of his intended exploit. Accordingly, he went to his house, (the laird knew he was well versed in the knowledge of Ghosts) and told him of his design. Peter after a short pause, said, "Colin my man, if you were going to raise that weapon in a combat with man, though it were one of the bravest of our forefathers, Fingal's heros, I would have hopes of your success; but to fight the Ghost of Fenhaglen must be a different thing. You are strong Colin, but if you go, you must not go in your own strength; you must go in the strength of that Almighty power who can strengthen your arm, and whet your sword against the most infernal power. He that confined that Ghost to that lonely abode where it is, and in his mercies withheld it from extending its ravages farther, here among us, must be the same that can draw it from us, when He fulfilled his purposes here