"Hist, woman! if you have the fear of Heaven, be still!"
A profound silence succeeded. Though the wind rose and fell as before,
its rushing was no longer mingled with those fearful cries. The sounds
were imposing and solemn, but it was the solemnity and majesty of
nature.
"Let us go on," said Esther; "all is hushed."
"Woman, what has brought you here?" demanded her husband, whose blood
had returned into its former channels, and whose thoughts had already
lost a portion of their excitement.
"Ishmael, he murdered our first-born; but it is not meet that the son
of my mother should lie upon the ground, like the carrion of a dog!"
"Follow," returned the squatter, again grasping his rifle, and
striding towards the rock. The distance was still considerable; and
their approach, as they drew nigh the place of execution, was
moderated by awe. Many minutes had passed, before they reached a spot
where they might distinguish the outlines of the dusky objects.
"Where have you put the body?" whispered Esther.
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