Richard Hurdis, Or, the Avenger of Blood (Volume 2); A Tale of Alabama (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838. Excerpt: ... The stranger boldly stepped into the light as the door was opened for him. The heart of Pickett sank within him on the instant; for guilt is a thing of continual terrors; but his glance was fixed on the person without recognition, and there was nothing in the air or visage of the intruder, to excite alarm. His dark swarthy features and sinister eye were, it is true, sufficiently unprepossessing; but these were evidently the habitual features of the man, and being in repose, gave no occult expression to his countenance. His guise was common enough, consisting of the common blue and white homespun of the country; and this, bespattered with mud as if he had been long a traveller. He demanded traveller's fare, and begged to be accommodated for the night. There was no denial of so small a boon, even in the humblest cottage of Alabama; and though Pickett would rather have had no company, he could not yet refuse. "Well," said Pickett, " we are not in the habit of taking in travellers, but if you can make out with a blanket by the chimney, you can have it--it's all I can give you." "Good enough," said the stranger; "I'm not particular. Room by the chimney, and light wood enough for a blaze, and I'm satisfied." "Have you had supper?" demanded Mrs. Pickett--" we can give you some hoe cake and bacon." "Thank you, ma'am, but I took a bite from my bag about an hour ago, as I crossed a branch coming on, which baited my hunger. I won't trouble you to get any thing more." "You're from below?" asked Pickett with some show of curiosity. "No--from above." "Do you go much farther?" "I think not--I've got business in these parts, and shall return when it's over." "You've a horse to see to?" "No--I foot it---I'm a very poor man." The lie was uttered with habitual readiness. Th...