"Almighty God," he pursued, in the same tone
of deep agony, "what have I done? Where, where shall I
hide myself?"
As he spoke he turned away from his companions, and
covering his eyes with his hand, with quick and unequal
steps, even like those of a drunken man, walked, or rather
ran, along the rampart, as if fearful of being overtaken.
The whole group of officers, and Charles de Haldimar in
particular, were struck with dismay at the language and
action of Sir Everard; and for a moment they fancied that
fatigue, and watching, and excitement, had partially
affected his brain. But when, after the lapse of a minute
or two, they again looked out upon the common, the secret
of his agitation was too faithfully and too painfully
explained.
What had at first the dusky and dingy hue of a half-naked
Indian, was now perceived, by the bright beams of light
just gathering in the east, to be the gay and striking
uniform of a British officer. Doubt as to who that officer
was there could be none, for the white sword-belt suspended
over the right shoulder, and thrown into strong relief
by the field of scarlet on which it reposed, denoted the
wearer of this distinguishing badge of duty to be one of
the guard.
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