They fell all sound asleep, and I was terribly
alarmed at a conversation I overheard somewhere outside the
stable. I could not make out a sentence, but trembled to think I
knew one of the voices at least, and, rather than not be mistaken, I
would that any man had run me through with a sword. I fell into a
cold sweat, and once thought of instantly putting hand to my own
life, as my only means of relief (may the rash and sinful thought
be in mercy forgiven!) when I heard as it were two persons at the
door, contending, as I thought, about their right and interest in
me. That the one was forcibly preventing the admission of the
other, I could hear distinctly, and their language was mixed with
something dreadful and mysterious. In an agony of terror, I
awakened my snoring companion with great difficulty, and asked
him, in a low whisper, who these were at the door. The man lay
silent and listening till fairly awake, and then asked if I heard
anything. I said I had heard strange voices contending at the door.
"Then I can tell you, lad, it has been something neither good nor
canny," said he. "It's no for naething that our horses are snorking
that gate.
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