"
"I was not aware, sir," returned Sir Everard proudly,
and secretly galled at being thus addressed before the
men, "it could be deemed a military crime to destroy an
enemy at whatever hour he might present himself, and
especially on such an occasion as the present. As for my
firing at a shadow, those who heard the yell that followed
the second shot, can determine that it came from no
shadow, but from a fierce and vindictive enemy. The cry
denoted even something more than the ordinary defiance
of an Indian: it seemed to express a fiendish sentiment
of personal triumph and revenge."
The governor started involuntarily. "Do you imagine, Sir
Everard Valletort, the aim of your rifle was true--that
you hit him?"
This question was asked so hurriedly, and in a tone so
different from that in which he had hitherto spoken, that
the officers around simultaneously raised their eyes to
those of their colonel with an expression of undissembled
surprise. He observed it, and instantly resumed his
habitual sternness of look and manner.
"I rather fear not, sir," replied Sir Everard, who had
principally remarked the emotion; "but may I hope (and
this was said with emphasis), in the evident disappointment
you experience at my want of success, my offence may be
overlooked?"
The governor fixed his penetrating eyes on the speaker,
as if he would have read his inmost mind; and then calmly,
and even impressively, observed,--
"Sir Everard Valletort, I do overlook the offence, and
hope you may as easily forgive yourself.
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