Still, the space around the
well-secured and trebly-barred postern was vacant. A sheet of spotless
snow served as a back-ground, that would have been sure to betray the
presence of any object passing over its surface. Even the conch might be
seen suspended from one of the timbers, as mute and inoffensive as the
hour, when it had been washed by the waves, on the sands of the sea-shore.
"Here will we watch for the coming of the stranger, be he commissioned by
the powers of air, or be he one sent on an errand of earth;" whisper ed
Submission, preparing his arms for immediate use, and disposing of his
person, at the same time, in a manner most convenient to endure the
weariness of a patient watch.
"I would my mind were at ease on the question of right-doing in dealing
harm to one who disturbs the quiet of a border family," said Dudley, in a
tone sufficiently repressed for caution; "it may be found prudent to
strike the first blow, should one like an over-sea gallant, after all, be
inclined to trouble us at this hour."
"In that strait thou wilt do well to give little heed to the order of the
offences," gloomily returned the other.
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