What solemn vows did I put up, that if I should once more behold the light of day, I would never trust myself again within the threshold of this dwelling! Minute lingered after minute, but no token was given that Carwin had returned to the passage.

What, I again asked, could detain him in this room?
Was it possible that he had returned, and glided, unperceived, away?
I was speedily aware of the difficulty that attended an enterprize like this; and yet, as if by that means I were capable of gaining any information on that head, I cast anxious looks from the window.
The object that first attracted my attention was an human figure standing on the edge of the bank.

Perhaps my penetration was assisted by my hopes.

Be that as it will, the figure of Carwin was clearly distinguishable.

From the obscurity of my station, it was impossible that I should be discerned by him, and yet he scarcely suffered me to catch a glimpse of him.