More than thrice have I been balked of
my just revenge, but now will I secure it. Thus, Ellen,
do I avenge your husband's and my nephew's death. My own
wrongs demand another sacrifice. But, ha! where is she?
where is Clara? where is my bride?"
Bounding over the ill-fated De Haldimar, who lay, even
in death, firmly clasped in the embrace of the wretched
Ellen, the fierce man dashed furiously forward to renew
his pursuit of the fugitives. But suddenly the extremity
of the bridge was filled with a column of armed men, that
kept issuing from the arch beneath. Sensible of his
danger, he sought to make good his retreat; but when he
turned for the purpose, the same formidable array met
his view at the opposite extremity; and both parties now
rapidly advanced in double quick time, evidently with a
view of closing upon and taking him prisoner. In this
dilemma, his only hope was in the assistance that might
be rendered him by his warriors. A yell, so terrific as
to be distinctly heard in the fort itself, burst from
his vast chest, and rolled in prolonged echoes through
the forest. It was faintly answered from the encampment,
and met by deep but noiseless curses from the exasperated
soldiery, whom the sight of their murdered officer was
momentarily working into frenzy.
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