both explosive and revengeful to the same degree; he combined the

vivacity of the south with the sustained and deadly hatreds of the

north; and both traits were plainly written on his face, which was

a sort of danger signal. In person he was tall, strong, and

active; his hair and complexion very dark; his features handsomely

designed, but spoiled by a menacing expression.

At that moment he was somewhat paler than by nature; he wore a

heavy frown; and his lips worked, and he looked sharply round him

as he walked, like a man besieged with apprehensions. And yet I

thought he had a look of triumph underlying all, as though he had

already done much, and was near the end of an achievement.

Partly from a scruple of delicacy - which I dare say came too late

- partly from the pleasure of startling an acquaintance, I desired

to make my presence known to him without delay.

I got suddenly to my feet, and stepped forward. "Northmour!" said

I.

I have never had so shocking a surprise in all my days. He leaped

on me without a word; something shone in his hand; and he struck

for my heart with a dagger. At the same moment I knocked him head

over heels. Whether it was my quickness, or his own uncertainty, I

know not; but the blade only grazed my shoulder, while the hilt and

his fist struck me violently on the mouth.

I fled, but not far. I had often and often observed the

capabilities of the sand-hills for protracted ambush or stealthy

advances and retreats; and, not ten yards from the scene of the

scuffle, plumped down again upon the grass. The lantern had fallen

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>