"
The hand of the maiden grasped that of Ralph convulsively as these
muttered words came to their ears, and her respiration grew more
difficult and painful. _He_ shuddered at the vindictive spirit which the
wretch exhibited, while his own, putting on a feller and a fiercer
temper, could scarcely resist the impulse which would have prompted him
at once to rush forth and stab him where he stood. But the counsels of
prudence had their influence, and he remained quiet and firm. The
companion of the ruffian felt no less than his other hearers the savage
nature of his mood, as thus, in his own way, he partially rebuked it:
"These are horrid fancies, Rivers--more like those which we should look
to find in a panther than in a man; and you delight in them quite too
much. Can you not kill your enemy without drinking his blood?"
"And where then would be the pleasure of revenge?"--he muttered, between
his closed teeth. "The soldier who in battle slays his opponent, hates
him not--he has no personal animosity to indulge.
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