Page:Marietta, or the Two Students.djvu/17

Rh of satan, or some one else—invested with a scant covering of skin, might bear some resemblance to him; and this is aught that we have any knowledge of that would. Observe his shrunken body, and long limbs. Is it possible there is life there? Are we indeed in the presence of a mortal? Or one of the many who upon a day, many, very many years ago, stepped out of their graves, and were seen abroad? No; 'tis not one of those, but a wreck of a human being. He is called Gaunt; and is a "body-snatcher."

The other person in physical conformation, differs from him materially; being quite short, very stout, and muscular in form, with features exceedingly coarse and large, full of daring and hardihood. Every part of him is indicative of strength; and he breathes an air of defiance and recklessness. Like his companion, his dress is dark, and of a very ordinary quality, fitting but indifferently.

We will introduce this gentleman as Mr. Thick, he follows for a livelihood the same respectable branch of business as the former. Having given this brief description of these two characters, we will notice the manner in which they are employed. The latter arises from the bench upon which he has been sitting, and after confering a moment with his companion, opens a small door which communicates with a room in the rear of the one in which they now are, and equaling it in every respect so far as filth and wretchedness is concerned. He opens a large chest, which sits in an obscure corner of the apartment, and with some little effort, takes from it a sack which contains apparently some heavy material. The door is cautiously secured by Gaunt, and they hesitate a few moments before proceeding, as if to assure themselves that they are entirely free from interruption. They now undo the fastenings of the sack, then reversing it, a human body in its grave-dress falls heavily and with a startling dull sound to the floor. Now they commence disrobing it, throwing each piece of that last habit upon the few embers that are glowing upon the broken hearth stone. While—emiting a nauseating ffleuviaeffleuvia [sic],—they are devoured by the scorching element.

The work is soon done, and the body of what was but a short time since a strong man in the very prime of life, is before them in perfect nudity. They contemplate it with the greatest apparent satisfaction; examining like connoisseurs the well rounded limbs, full chest, and muscular developement.

"A stout fellow was this," said Thick, regarding his friend with a satisfied air; there"there [sic] must have been great power in these large muscles and finely formed hands." "You say truly, but he's tame enough now Thick, although I would take my oath that a few days ago he would have been more than a match for you."

"A good subject. I never saw a better, Gaunt."

"I agree with you that I never saw a better: but the young girl we sold to that pale student Levator, how much handsomer to look upon."

"Right, Gaunt, for once. I never beheld anything in the shape of death, so fair. That female, she must have been very beautiful when living."

"I don't think that would follow as a natural consequence. Many homely persons make a handsome corpse."

"I would like to see you after you are dead, Gaunt, if what you say is true."

"I should look quite respectable, I assure you."

"Die then by all means for your own credit, and the sake of your friends."

"That must be a great change, though, which makes you a respectable man. I can think of only one greater; that which