Then turning to old Mark, he continued in an under tone--
"Peradventure there will be more worldly strife than any which can flow
from the agencies that stir up the unquiet spirits of the Colonies. In
such an extremity, it may be well to observe a soldier's caution."
"I like not this mockery of sound," returned the Puritan; "it argueth a
taunting and fiend-like temper. We have, of late, had in this Colony
tragical instances of what the disappointed malice of Azazel can attempt;
and it would be vain to hope that the evil agencies are not vexed with the
sight of my Bethel."
Though the stranger listened to the words of his host with respect, it was
plain that his thoughts dwelt on dangers of a different character. The
member that still rested on the handle of his weapon, was clenched with
greater firmness; and a grim, though a melancholy expression was seated
about a mouth, that was compressed in a manner to denote the physical,
rather than the spiritual resolution of the man. He made a sign to the two
companions he had chosen, and led the way to the court.
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