"
As the dawn increased, the dark shadow of a human form,
stretched at its length upon the ground, became perceptible;
and the officers, with one unanimous voice, bore loud
testimony to the skill and dexterity of him who had,
under such extreme disadvantages, accomplished the death
of their skulking enemy.
"Bravo, Valletort," said Charles de Haldimar, recovering
his spirits, as much from the idea, now occurring to him,
that this might indeed be the stranger whose appearance
had so greatly disturbed his father, as from the
gratification he felt in the praises bestowed on his
friend. "Bravo, my dear fellow;" then approaching, and
in a half whisper, "when next I write to Clara, I shall
request her, with my cousin's assistance, to prepare a
chaplet of bays, wherewith I shall myself crown you as
their proxy. But what is the matter now, Valletort? Why
stand you there gazing upon the common, as if the victim
of your murderous aim was rising from his bloody couch,
to reproach you with his death? Tell me, shall I write
to Clara for the prize, or will you receive it from her
own hands?"
"Bid her rather pour her curses on my head; and to those,
De Haldimar, add your own," exclaimed Sir Everard, at
length raising himself from the statue-like position he
had assumed.
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