166 LEGEND OF KNOCK-A-THAMPLE. 



admiration was checked by the fierce, though melancholy, 

 expression of the handsome features of the stranger ; and if 

 they would have been inclined to scrutinize him more, one 

 stern glance from his dark and flashing eye imperiously 

 forbade it. Supper was prepared in silence, until, at the 

 Knight's request, the herdsman detailed minutely every cir- 

 cumstance connected with the lady's murder. 



While the peasant's narrative proceeded, the stranger un- 

 derwent a terrible emotion, which his stern resolution could 

 not entirely conceal. His eyes flared, his brows contracted 

 till they united; and before the tale was ended, he leaped 

 from his seat, and left the cabin hastily. 



He had been but a few minutes absent, when the door 

 opened, and another visiter entered with scanty ceremony, 

 and, though unbidden, seated himself upon the stool of 

 honour. His dress was far better than his mien, and he 

 assumed an appearance of superiority, which, even to the 

 peasants, appeared forced and unnatural. He called autho- 

 ritatively for supper, and the tones of his voice were quite 

 familiar to the herdsman. With excited curiosity, the peasant 

 flung some dried flax upon the fire, and, by the blaze, re- 

 cognised at once the well-remembered features of the Red 

 Pedler ! 



Before the peasant could recover his surprise, the tall 

 stranger entered the cottage again, and approached the hearth. 

 With an air which could not be disputed, he commanded the 

 intruder to give place. The waving of his hand was obeyed, 

 and, with muttered threats, the Pedler retired to the settle. 

 The Knight leaned against the rude walls of the chimney, and 

 remained absorbed in bitter thought, until the humble host 

 told him that the meal was ready. 



If a contrast were necessary, it would have been found in 

 the conduct of the strangers at the board. The Knight ate 

 like an anchorite, while the Pedler indulged his appetite 

 largely. The tall stranger tempered the aqua vita presented 

 by the host copiously with water, while the short one drank 

 fast and deep, and appeared anxious to steep some pressing 

 sorrow in the goblet. Gradually, however, his brain felt the 

 influence of the liquor, and, unguarded from deep and repeated 

 draughts, he thus addressed the host : 



" Markest thou a change in me fellow ?" 



