The second touch, of the shell
was firmer, longer, louder, and more true, than that by which it had just
been preceded.
"One might fancy the conch was speaking in mockery," observed Content,
looking with meaning towards their guest. "Never did sound more resemble
sound than these we have just heard, and those thou drew from the shell
when asking admission."
A sudden light appeared to break in upon the intelligence of the stranger.
Advancing more into the circle, rather with the freedom of long
familiarity than with the diffidence of a newly-arrived guest, he motioned
for silence as he said--
"Let none move, but this stout woodsman, the young captain and myself. We
will go forth, and doubt not that the safety of those within shall be
regarded."
Notwithstanding the singularity of this proposal, as it appeared to excite
neither surprise nor opposition in the Puritan or his son, the rest of the
family offered no objection. The stranger had no sooner spoken, than he
advanced near to the torch, and looked closely into the condition of his
pistols.
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