Page:Marietta, or the Two Students.djvu/32

26 doubted not could he once penetrate would reveal many dark secrets.—He felt an assurance within that there were deeds of mystery and crime committed in the old dwelling in which he found himself, and of which all but the actors themselves were ignorant. These convictions had occurred to him before, but never had they fastened themselves so deeply upon him as now. Again he made the circumference of the room, inspecting every crevice, and fissure in the wall more closely than before.

He was about abandoning the search as hopeless when he was struck with the peculiar appearance of what resembled in some respects a sliding pannel [sic]. After considerable exertion he succeeded to his great joy in effecting an entry.—He now found himself in a long narrow passage which led he knew not whither. Pulling up the wick of the lamp, to enable him to see better, with soft tread he moved onward. His further progress was soon arrested by a door at the extreme end of the passage-way. It was not fastened. Opening it he found himself at the foot of a stair-case. Mounting to the top of the stairs, he paused, and conjectured he heard voices below. Turning to his right he proceeded in the direction of the sounds until he stood by another flight of steps which he resolved to descend, as he saw no signs of life in the chambers through which he had been traversing. From the bottom of the stairs he had gone a few steps when he heard sounds in a room near him. Puting [sic] his ear to the wall he heard suppressed weeping. It was a female he felt well assured, and his curiosity was excited to the utmost to learn more. He had remained in the attitude of listening but a few moments when he heard approaching footsteps. What could he do to escape detection. He saw no place where he might secrete himself, and to stay where he was, he knew to be the most ready way of bringing about that which he feared. But a short time was allowed him to decide upon what course to pursue, for the sounds of moving feet were now more distinct, and he saw the