Upon entering the place of refuge, he found him seated on his humble couch with a pocket Bible open in his hand, which he seemed to study with intense meditation.

His broadsword, which he had unsheathed in the first alarm at the arrival of the dragoons, lay naked across his knees, and the little taper that stood beside him upon the old chest, which served the purpose of a table, threw a partial and imperfect light upon those stern and harsh features, in which ferocity was rendered more solemn and dignified by a wild cast of tragic enthusiasm.

His brow was that of one in whom some strong o'ermastering principle has overwhelmed all other passions and feelings, like the swell of a high spring-tide, when the usual cliffs and breakers vanish from the eye, and their existence is only indicated by the chasing foam of the waves that burst and wheel over them.

He raised his head, after Morton had contemplated him for about a minute.
"I perceive," said Morton, looking at his sword, "that you heard the horsemen ride by; their passage delayed me for some minutes." "I scarcely heeded them," said Balfour; "my hour is not yet come.

That I shall one day fall into their hands, and be honourably associated with the saints whom they have slaughtered, I am full well aware.