Ernest Maltravers, Book 1

have w

rion

Venice/, Ac

ly undid the bolt, and found the door locked, and the key missing. He had not observed that during his repast, and ere his suspicions had been aroused, his host, in replacing the bar, and relocking the entrance, had abstracted the key. His fears were now confirmed. His next thought was the window-the sh

a chill moisture gathered to his brow. While he stood irresolute and in suspense, striving to collect his thoughts, his ear, preternaturally sharpened by fear, caught the faint muffled sound of creeping footsteps-he heard the stairs creak. The sound broke the spell. The previous

ps upon the stairs. His situation began to prey upon his nerves, it irritated them-it became intolerable. It was not now fear that he experienced, it was the overwrought sense of mortal enmity-the consciousness that a man may feel who knows

eard a slight tap at the window; it was twice repeated; and at the third time a low voice pronounced the name of Darvil. It was clear, then, that accomplices had arrived; it was no lo

ost stationed; with a steady hand he attempted to open the door; it was fastened on the opposite side. "

ciousness of his own natural advantages of activity, stature, strength and daring. Minutes rolled on; the silence was broken by some one at the inner door; he heard the bolt g

ched-she t

ered, "looking for the sledge-hammer-the

e door i

taken the key

sack once more over his shoulder, and made but one stride to the threshold. The gir

n my gratitude.-I shall be at --- to-morrow-t

to the

uth. The girl lingered an instant, sighed, then laughed aloud; closed and re-barred the door, and was creeping back, when from the

ce here, and-hell and the d

at you should

nd, sprang over her body, unbarred the door, and, accompanied b