He had but time to retreat from the
door, so nearly was he surprised by his master suddenly coming out and
descending to the stables. The faithful domestic followed; and from the
dishevelled appearance of his master's dress, and his ghastly looks, was
confirmed in his conjecture that he had passed the night without sleep
or repose. He found him busily engaged in saddling his horse, a service
from which Caleb, though with faltering voice and trembling hands,
offered to relieve him. Ravenswood rejected his assistance by a mute
sign, and having led the animal into the court, was just about to mount
him, when the old domestic's fear giving way to the strong attachment
which was the principal passion of his mind, he flung himself suddenly
at Ravenswood's feet, and clasped his knees, while he exclaimed: "Oh,
sir! oh, master! kill me if you will, but do not go out on this dreadful
errand! Oh! my dear master, wait but this day; the Marquis of A----
comes to-morrow, and a' will be remedied."
"You have no longer a master, Caleb," said Ravenswood, endeavouring to
extricate himself; "why, old man, would you cling to a falling tower?"
"But I HAVE a master," cried Caleb, still holding him fast, "while the
heir of Ravenswood breathes.
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