They sauntered unconsciously
about the village, in little groups or individually, without concert or
combination, and with suspicious or hesitating eye. Occasionally, the
accents of a single voice broke the general silence, though but for a
moment; and then, with a startling and painful influence, which imparted
a still deeper sense of gloom to the spirits of all. It appeared to come
laden with a mysterious and strange terror, and the speaker, aptly
personifying the Fear in Collins's fine "Ode on the Passions," "shrunk
from the sound himself had made."
Ralph, in company with Forrester, made his appearance among the
squatters while thus situated. Seeing them armed as on the previous day,
he was apprehensive of some new evil; and as he approached the several
stray groups, made known his apprehensions to his companion in strong
language. He was not altogether assured of Forrester's own compunction,
and the appearance of those around almost persuaded him to doubt his
sincerity.
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