THE MALED1CTED. 535 



ford on separate charges of high treason !" We assured the bewildered 

 ladies that the whole had originated in some awkward mistake, which 

 the explanation of a moment would rectify, and departed amid a scene 

 of indescribable confusion and alarm. 



We now became aware of the peculiarity I may say awful peculi- 

 arity of our situation. A mine had sprung beneath us, and where we 

 might alight, when its disastrous whirl subsided, the God above us could 

 alone divine. To add to our inquietude, we were separated ; the friends 

 who had been indivisible for years were subjected to the rude severance 

 of a common prison-keeper. Distinct apartments were awarded to us, 

 and we had the further infliction to endure, of knowing that new addi- 

 tions were making hourly to what was triumphantly termed the " new- 

 caught band of petty patriots !" 



It becomes me, however, to be just. We were not kept in ignorance. 

 Copies of the charges to be preferred against us were furnished, and time 

 allowed for preparing a defence to that which our unfeeling captors 

 proudly deemed indefensible. For myself, I must candidly confess that 

 I felt the novelty of my situation somewhat oppressive. I knew the 

 extent of my participation too distinctly to flatter myself with the hope 

 of a triumphant verdict ; and yet I felt that I had never engaged in the 

 depth of guilt which was about to be publicly charged upon me. 



At length every thing was arranged, and the " commission," as it 

 was specially termed, was opened with more than usual gravity. 



1 had received notice of trial, and on the previous evening I was sit- 

 ting in the dubious twilight of my apartment, in one of those musing 

 and mournful moods which the mind oftentimes takes refuge in, when it 

 is too much distracted to entertain some distinct principle of thought. 

 I sat in a species of waking dream, pondering over many things, and I 

 beheld the past, and the present, and, with some degree of solicitude, 

 the future, all mingled in chaotic indistinctness, and leaving alternate 

 impressions of pain, pleasure, and anxiety, 



I am almost willing to believe now, even at this remote hour, that I 

 was that night the subject of spectral and demoniac visitation. It is 

 scarcely possible for me to conceive that the heart of man was capable 

 of such desperate wickedness as was that night revealed to me, or that 

 one being bearing the form of a man, would have dared to have breathed 

 such counsel in the ear of another, who had, at least within his reach, 

 the power of attempted retribution. 



The chain fell heavily from the door of my apartment, and the form 

 of that now execrated being entered. I was not prepared for such a 

 visitant, but he saluted me with gaiety. I will not detail what passed 

 between us 'twere vain and profitless. I complained of his intrusion, 

 and taxed him with his perfidy. He laughed aloud at the accusation, 

 and inquired if I knew him ? I thought the wretch inebriated, and 

 ordered him to leave me. 



" No !" said he, " we must have another scene before we part. Bland- 

 ford, it is in my power to save you from an ignominious death ; it is in 

 my power to confer on you the happiness which you have coveted for 

 years. Nay, do not start, nor look so tiger-like ; we are but man to 

 man, and if I am worsted, one call of my voice makes all even again. 

 Will you hear me ?" 



" Go on," said I, scarcely capable of control. 



