Curse upon your rashness! There is no need to shoot."
Such were the words uttered, in a tone of eagerness and anger,
within so small a distance of my pillow. What construction could I
put upon them? My heart began to palpitate with dread of some
unknown danger. Presently, another voice, but equally near me, was
heard whispering in answer, "Why not? I will draw a trigger in
this business; but perdition be my lot if I do more!" To this the
first voice returned, in a tone which rage had heightened in a
small degree above a whisper, "Coward! stand aside, and see me do
it. I will grasp her throat; I will do her business in an instant;
she shall not have time so much as to groan." What wonder that I
was petrified by sounds so dreadful! Murderers lurked in my
closet. They were planning the means of my destruction. One
resolved to shoot, and the other menaced suffocation. Their means
being chosen, they would forthwith break the door. Flight
instantly suggested itself as most eligible in circumstances so
perilous. I deliberated not a moment; but, fear adding wings to my
speed, I leaped out of bed, and, scantily robed as I was, rushed
out of the chamber, downstairs, and into the open air.
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