azing pine-bough from the fire; stepped into the centre of the
room; and, waving her torch in fantastic circles about her head, began
a solemn chaunt in a language unknown to Bertram--at first low and
deep--but gradually swelling into bolder intonations. Towards the end
the song became more rapid and impetuous; and at last it terminated in
a sort of wild shriek. Keeping her eyes fixed upon Bertram, as if to
remark the effect of her song upon him, the old woman prepared to
repeat it: but just at this moment was heard the sound of voices
approaching. A wild hubbub succeeded of wrangling, laughing, swearing,
from the side on which Bertram had ascended the ladder; and directly
after a clamorous summons of knocking, pushing, drumming, kicking,
at the door. The aged hostess, faithful to her custom, laid down her
pine-brand on the hearth; arranged the blanket again; and seated
herself quietly without taking any notice of the noise. Only, whilst
she turned her spinning-wheel, she sang in an under voice--

He, that knocks so loud, must knock once and again:
Knock soft and low, or ye knock in vain.

Mean time the clamorers without contrived to admit themselves, as the
young man had done before, but did not take the delay so patiently. It
was a company of five or six stout men, any of whom (to judge by their
appearance) a traveller would not have been ambitious of meeting
in a lonely situation. The general air of their costume was that of
sea-faring men; close, short jackets; long, roomy, slops; and coloured
handkerchiefs tied loosely about the neck, and depending in long flaps
below the breast. A fisherman's hat, with large slouched brim, was
drawn down so as nearly to conceal the face; all wore side-arms; and
some had pistols in their belts. In colours their dress presented no
air of national distinction: for the most part it seemed to be composed
of a coarse sacking--originally gray, but disfigured by every variety
of stains blended and mottled by rain and salt water.

Bertram could discover no marks of rank or precedency amongst these
men, as they passed him one by one, each turning aside to throw a
searching glance on the apparently sleeping stranger. As they advanced
to the old woman, they began to scold her: so at least Bertram gathered
from their looks, gestures, and angry tones; for they spoke in a
language with which he was wholly unacquainted. She, whom they
addressed, however seemed tolerably familiarize