Wieland
knows not that mysterious voices and appearances were likewise
witnessed by me. Carwin may be ignorant of those which misled my
brother. Thus may his answers unwarily betray himself to ruin.
Such might be the consequences of my frantic precipitation, and
these it was necessary, if possible, to prevent. I attempted to
speak; but Wieland, turning suddenly upon me, commanded silence, in
a tone furious and terrible. My lips closed, and my tongue refused
its office.
"What art thou?" he resumed, addressing himself to Carwin. "Answer
me: whose form--whose voice,--was it thy contrivance? Answer me."
The answer was now given, but confusedly and scarcely articulated.
"I meant nothing--I intended no ill--if I understand--if I do not
mistake you--it is too true--I did appear--in the entry--did speak.
The contrivance was mine, but--"
These words were no sooner uttered, than my brother ceased to wear
the same aspect. His eyes were downcast; he was motionless; his
respiration became hoarse, like that of a man in the agonies of
death. Carwin seemed unable to say more.
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