He might have easily
escaped; but the thought which occupied him related to what was
horrid and unintelligible in this scene, and not to his own danger.
Presently the faculties of Wieland, which, for a time, were chained
up, were seized with restlessness and trembling. He broke silence.
The stoutest heart would have been appalled by the tone in which he
spoke. He addressed himself to Carwin:--
"Why art thou here? Who detains thee? Go and learn better. I
will meet thee, but it must be at the bar of thy Maker. There
shall I bear witness against thee."
Perceiving that Carwin did not obey, he continued, "Dost thou wish
me to complete the catalogue by thy death? Thy life is a worthless
thing. Tempt me no more. I am but a man, and thy presence may
awaken a fury which may spurn my control. Begone!"
Carwin, irresolute, striving in vain for utterance, his complexion
pallid as death, his knees beating one against another, slowly
obeyed the mandate and withdrew.
II
A few words more and I lay aside the pen forever. Yet why should I
not relinquish it now? All that I have said is preparatory to this
scene, and my fingers, tremulous and cold as my heart, refuse any
further exertion.
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