Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/48

  heard a faint, shuddering sigh; presently a moan, deep, hopeless, almost expiring.

Are you awake, Vinckers?' I managed to whisper, and my tongue could hardly articulate the words.

" 'Yes—are you, MacFarlane?'

" 'Ou aye, ou aye—what is it—oh, what is it, man?'

Have you had the nightmare?' I asked.

" 'Yes—without the dream—only the fear—what is it?'

" 'Ou, lads, we maun leave this place as soon as 'tis light'

" 'Hush! ah, hush!' whispered Vinckers. 'I am burning up—come over here, Leyden—I am afraid to move—I was never afraid before—never in my life—ah—what was that!'

Ah, tush, man!' MacFarlane's rough voice choked. 'D'ye want to drive the heart of a man from his body? Tomba, lass, Tomba!' There was no reply.

Tomba!' said I, sharply. 'Tomba—Tomba!' [ 32 ]