loor was only interrupted by deep groans; and the repeated
stamps of the heel of his heavy boot intimated too clearly that the
wretched inmate was abandoning himself at such moments to paroxysms of
uncontrolled agony. The old man thought that the morning, for which he
longed, would never have dawned; but time, whose course rolls on with
equal current, however it may seem more rapid or more slow to mortal
apprehension, brought the dawn at last, and spread a ruddy light on the
broad verge of the glistening ocean. It was early in November, and the
weather was serene for the season of the year. But an easterly wind had
prevailed during the night, and the advancing tide rolled nearer than
usual to the foot of the crags on which the castle was founded.

With the first peep of light, Caleb Balderstone again resorted to the
door of Ravenswood's sleeping apartment, through a chink of which he
observed him engaged in measuring the length of two or three swords
which lay in a closet adjoining to the apartment. He muttered to
himself, as he selected one of these weapons: "It is shorter: let him
have this advantage, as he has every other."

Caleb Balderstone knew too well, from what he witnessed, upon what
enterprise his master was bound, and how vain all interference on his
part must necessarily prove. He had but time to retreat from the
door, so nearly was he surprised by his master suddenly coming out and
descending to the stables. The faithful domestic followed; and from the
dishevelled appearance of his master's dress, and his ghastly looks, was
confirmed in his conjecture that he had passed the night without sleep
or repose. He found him busily engaged in saddling his horse, a service
from which Caleb, though with faltering voice and trembling hands,
offered to relieve him. Ravenswood rejected his assistance by a mute
sign, and having led the animal into the court, was just about to mount
him, when the old domestic's fear giving way to the strong attachment
which was the principal passion of his mind, he flung himself suddenly
at Ravenswood's feet, and clasped his knees, while he exclaimed: "Oh,
sir! oh, master! kill me if you will, but do not go out on this dreadful
errand! Oh! my dear master, wait but this day; the Marquis of A----
comes to-morrow, and a' will be remedied."

"You have no longer a master, Caleb," said Ravenswood, endeavouring to
extricate himself; "why, old man, would you cling to a falling tower?"

"But I