Page:Long pack, or, A shot with Copenhagen (2).pdf/9

 are damaged, which I will get a valuation; so, if none of you will acquiesce, I will take all the blame upon myself, and ware a shot upon it." Richard said whatever was the consequence he would be blameless. A half delirious smile rather distorted than beautified Alice's pretty face, but Edward took it for an assent to what he had been advancing, so, snatching up Copenhagen in one hand, and the candle in the other, he hasted down the passage, and without hesitating one moment, fired at the pack. Gracious Heaven! The blood gushed out upon the floor like a torrent, and a hideous roar, followed by the groans of death, issued from the pack. Edward dropped Coppenhagen upon the ground, and ran into the kitchen like one distracted. The kitchen was darkish, for he had left the candle in the parlour; so taking to the door without being able to utter a word, he ran to the hills like a wild roe, looking over each shoulder as fast as he could turn his head from the one side to the other. Alice followed as fast as she could, but lost half the way of Edward. She was all the way sighing and crying most pitifully. Old Richard stood for a short space rather in a state of petrefaction, but, at length, after some hasty ejaculations, he went into the parlour. The whole floor flowed with blood. The pack had thrown itself on the ground; but the groans and cries were ceased, and only a kind fof [sic] guttural noise was heard from it. Knowing that then something must be done, he ran after his companions and called on them to come back. Though Edward had escaped a good way, and was still persevering on, yet, as