aside the
boughs, proceeded a few steps, and by a certain dampness and oppression
in the air, Aram rightly conjectured himself in the cavern Houseman had
spoken of.

"We are landed now," said Houseman, "but wait, I will strike a light; I
do not love darkness, even with another sort of companion than the one I
have now the honour to entertain!"

In a few moments a light was produced, and placed aloft on a crag in the
cavern; but the ray it gave was feeble and dull, and left all beyond the
immediate spot in which they stood, in a darkness little less Cimmerian
than before.

"'Fore Gad, it is cold," said Houseman shivering, "but I have taken
care, you see, to provide for a friend's comfort;" so saying, he
approached a bundle of dry sticks and leaves, piled at one corner of
the cave, applied the light to the fuel, and presently, the fire rose
crackling, breaking into a thousand sparks, and freeing itself gradually
from the clouds of smoke in which it was enveloped. It now mounted into
a ruddy and cheering flame, and the warm glow played picturesquely upon
the grey sides of the cavern, which was of a rugged shape, and small
dimensions, and cast its reddening light over the forms of the two men.

Houseman stood close to the flame, spreading his hands over it, and
a sort of grim complacency stealing along features singularly
ill-favoured, and sinister in their expression, as he felt the animal
luxury of the warmth.

Across his middle was a broad leathern belt, containing a brace of
large horse pistols, and the knife, or rather dagger, with which he had
menaced Aram, an instrument sharpened on both sides, and nearly a foot
in length. Altogether, what with his muscular breadth of figure, his
hard and rugged features, his weapons, and a certain reckless, bravo
air which indescribably marked his attitude and bearing, it was not well
possible to imagine a fitter habitant for that grim cave, or one from
whom men of peace, like Eugene Aram, might have seemed to derive more
reasonable cause of alarm.

The Scholar stood at a little distance, waiting till his companion was
entirely prepared for the conference, and his pale and lofty features,
hushed in their usual deep, but at such a moment, almost preternatural
repose. He stood leaning with folded arms against the rude wall; the
light reflected upon his dark garments, with the graceful riding-cloak
of the day half falling from his shoulder, and revealing also the
pistols in hi