Some vigilant eyes, like those
of Reuben Ring and my own, had better be open until the morning; further
than that, is there no reason for being wakeful."
Perhaps the borderer would have dwelt more at large on his own readiness
to pass the remainder of the hours of rest in attending to the security of
those who slept, had not another wicked glance from the dark, laughing eye
of her who stood so favorably placed to observe his countenance,
admonished him of the prudence of being modest in his professions.
"This alarm hath then happily passed away," said the Puritan, arising. "We
will now go to our pillows in thankfulness and peace. Thy service shall
not be forgotten, Dudley; for thou hast exposed thyself to seeming danger,
at least, in our behalf."
"That hath he!" half-whispered Faith; "and sure am I, that we maidens will
not forget his readiness to lose the sweets of sleep, in order that the
feeble may not come to harm."
"Speak not of the trifle," hurriedly returned the other. "There has been
some deception in the sounds, for it is now my opinion, except to summon
us to the gate, that this stranger might enter--the conch hath not been
touched at all to night.
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