Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series - 1819.djvu/134

124 chink of which he observed him engaged in measuring the length of two or three swords which lay in a closet adjoining to the apartment. He muttered to himself; as he selected one of these weapons, "It is shorter—let him have this advantage as he has every other."

Caleb Balderstone knew too well, from what he witnessed, upon what enterprise his master was bound, and how vain all interference on his part must necessarily prove. He had but time to retreat from the door, so nearly was he surprised by his master suddenly coming out, and descending to the stables. The faithful domestic followed, and from the dishevelled appearance of his master's dress, and his ghastly looks, was confirmed in his conjecture that he had passed the night without sleep or repose. He found him busily engaged in saddling his horse, a service from which Caleb, though with faultering voice and trembling hands, offered to relieve him. Ravenswood rejected his assistance by a mute sign, and having led