The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 153: what you’re looking at

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136 : LEYNOLDS’ WORKS cloak, had seated herself and remained perfectly silent while her companion was eating, “ let us not lose another moment, —for the body must be disposed of before morning,” she added, in a very low voice. W ith these words she approached the cibanae and took forth a dagger, the point of which she tried with one of her fingers. ‘You mean to play your part in it, then,” said the Can- nibal, in a whisper and with a grim look. “What matters it who does the work?” she demanded. “We are neither of us squeamish, I suppose. But-in ease he should happen to awake as we enter the room, and either cry out or offer any resistance, it will be better for us both to be prepared.”’ ‘“ All right,’ observed Chiffin. ‘‘ And now to business.” Madge Somers took up the candle with her left hand, and holding the dagger in her right, led the way from the room. As noiselessly as possible did she ascend the steps, with Chiffin close at her heels. On reaching the door of | Saxondale’s chamber, they stopped and listened, and the regular and even respiration of the young nobleman con- ata them that he still slept profoundly. They accord- ingly opened the door and stole in. Madge, who led the way, advanced straight up to the bed, and as the flaring candle which she heid in her hand threw its light ‘upon the countenance of Edmund, both she and her murderous companion saw, as they suspected, that he was wrapped in the aro oauilest slumber. But just as they were about to do the work of death, a sudden ejaculation of mingled horror and amazement burst from the lips of Madge Somers, and dropping the candle in the fearful excitement which had so abruptly and strangely seized upon her, the chamber was plunged into darkness. That ejaculation to which she gave vent, and the noise of the candlestick falling, startled young Saxondale with galvanic effect from his slumbers, and springing up from the mattress, he cried out, ‘“‘ Thieves! Murder!” as loudly as he could vociferate. Madge Somers, recovering her presence of mind the very instant she had dropped the candle, clutched Chiffin with nervous violence by the arm, and in a quick but low whisper said, ‘‘Go!’’ The ruffan, astounded at what had just Gomicbooks (e(@) aie