Henry and Mary; A Local Tale Illustrative of the Habits, Customs, and Diversions of the Inhabitants of the West of Cumberland During the Greater Part of the Eighteenth and Preceding Century (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1860. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... he rose, and 6rmly grasping in his hand an unwonted implement of murder, he instantly, with one terrible blow divided the head of his unfortunate victim. The body fell amidst the crumbled fragments of the rock, and both it and the weapon he had used were completely obscured by the large and dark whin bushes and underwooa which grew at the bottom of the precipice. Before I could recover from the horror and surprise which this dreadful and unexpected incident had occasioned, I thought I perceived the bloody and ghastly form of my lover, just as he appeared to me when flying from his murderers, glide across the path of the gigantic villain, who seemed to recoil with terror from the frightful phantom, and place itself by my side. But to me his pretence had nothing of terror in it. A serene smile of satisfaction settled over his face, and his voice I thought still retained that softness and melody for which it had been distinguished, while thus it broke upon the solemn stillness of the midnight hour. "Ellen, though visionary to you is the scene you have just witnessed, it is levertheless real. The bloody villain, whose days will yet be long upon the earth, hath accomplished a second murder; but in your presence never more will he willingly appear, till within the last hour of your mortal existence and therefore you have no cause to fear him or any of his accomplices; for until that time arrives, he who waits your final summons will be permitted to protect you. The hour is yet afar off. Full fifty times that moon beneath whose changing light my body, all unshrouded, was com mitted to its kindred clay, shall rise upon my grave, ere our spirits shall soar together to the realms of eternity. Forbear then to murmur at what Providence has ordained; wait with patie...