Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/250

 trodden down but not cleared, went by the side of the building, close under the windows, and here he walked on, observing the dreadful ruinous state the rooms were in, the glass broken, the floors had been long entirely exposed to the weather, and bore every mark of decay and desolation.

He proceeded till he came to the other wing, and immediately recollected that the feeble cries he had heard seemed to have issued from thence. He walked slowly round, and elevating his voice, "What cruel neglect has this once noble mansion endured: Surely whoever is, or was the master of it, must have met with uncommon misfortunes; and to what a wretched state must that mind be brought that can support existence in this desolated place." He had scarcely pronounced those last words, when he heard a heavy groan and an articulate voice, which appeared to be at no great distance from him. He stopped: "Did I not hear a voice?" said he aloud.