The broad, nearly interminable, and
seemingly trackless forest lay about them, bounding the view to the narrow
limits of the valley, as though it were some straitened oasis amidst an
ocean of wilderness. Within the boundaries of the cleared land, objects
were less indistinct; though even those nearest and most known were now
seen only in the confused and gloomy outlines of night.
Across this dim prospect, Submission and his companion gazed long and
cautiously.
"There is nought but motionless stumps, and fences loaded with snow,"
said the former, when his eye had roamed over the whole circuit of the
view which lay on the side of the valley where they stood, "We must go
forth, that we may look nearer to the fields."
"Thither then is the postern," said Dudley, observing that the other took
a direction opposite to that which led to the gate. But a gesture of
authority induced him at the next instant to restrain his voice, and to
follow whither his companion chose to lead the way.
The stranger made a circuit of half the hill ere he descended to the
palisadoes, at a point where lay long and massive piles of wood, which
had been collected for the fuel of the family.
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