"By the rifle did you destroy my
son; it is fit and just that you meet your end by the same weapon."
Abiram stared about him with a gaze that bespoke an unsettled reason.
He even laughed, as if he would not only persuade himself but others
that what he heard was some pleasantry, intended to try his nerves.
But nowhere did his frightful merriment meet with an answering echo.
All around was solemn and still. The visages of his nephews were
excited, but cold towards him, and that of his former confederate
frightfully determined. This very steadiness of mien was a thousand
times more alarming and hopeless than any violence could have proved.
The latter might possibly have touched his spirit and awakened
resistance, but the former threw him entirely on the feeble resources
of himself.
"Brother," he said, in a hurried, unnatural whisper, "did I hear you?"
"My words are plain, Abiram White: thou hast done murder, and for the
same must thou die!"
"Esther! sister, sister, will you leave me! Oh sister! do you hear my
call?"
"I hear one speak from the grave!" returned the husky tones of Esther,
as the wagon passed the spot where the criminal stood.
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