came with no persuasive force in the
still hour of conscience: they were only effectual amid the excitement
and tumult of a multitude, when men's passions were high, and their
resolutions daring. "It is too late to go back," muttered he, as he
arose from the spot, where, awaiting nightfall, he had lain hid for
several hours; "they mustn't call me a coward, any way."

As Owen reached the valley the darkness spread far and near, not a star
could be seen; great masses of cloud covered the sky, and hung down
heavily, midway upon the mountains. There was no rain; but on the wind
came from time to time a drifted mist, which shewed that the air was
charged with moisture. The ground was still wet and plashy from recent
heavy rain. It was indeed a cheerless night and a cheerless hour; but
not more so than the heart of him who now, bent upon his deadly purpose,
moved slowly on towards the common.

On descending towards the lake-side, he caught a passing view of the
little village, where a few lights yet twinkled, the flickering stars
that shone within some humble home. What would he not have given to
be but the meanest peasant there, the poorest creature that toiled and
sickened on his dreary way! He turned away hurriedly, and with his hand
pressed heavily on his swelling heart walked rapidly on. "It will soon
be over now," said Owen; he was about to add, with the accustomed piety
of his class, "thank God for it," but the words stopped in his throat,
and the dreadful thought flashed on him, "Is it when I am about to shed
His creature's blood, I should say this?"

[Illustration: 202]

He sat down upon a large stone beside the lake, at a spot where the road
came down to the water's edge, and where none could pass unobserved by
him. He had often fished from that very rock when a boy, and eaten his
little dinner of potatoes beneath its shelter. Here he sat once more;
saying to himself as he did so, "'Tis an ould friend, anyway, and I'll
just spend my last night with him;", for so in his mind he already
regarded his condition. The murder effected, he determined to make
no effort to escape. Life was of no value to him. The snares of the
conspiracy had entangled him, but his heart was not in it.

As the night wore on, the clouds lifted, and the wind, increasing to
a storm, bore them hurriedly through the air; the waters of the lake,
lashed into waves, beat heavily on the low shore; while the howling
blast swept through the mountai