Excerpt from Eugene Aram, Vol. 2 of 2: A TaleThey were now seriously concerned for their unmanlines, which they passed off as well as they could upon their conviction, "that nobody of Grassdale could ever really be robbed;" and promised, with sincere contrition, that they would be most excellent guards for the future. Peter was, in sooth, singularly chop-fallen, and could only defend himself by an incoherent mutter, from which the squire turned somewhat impatiently when he hear, louder than the rest, the words "seventy-seventh psalm, seventeenth verse -"The clouds that were both thick and blackDid rain full plenteously."Leaving the squire to the edification of the pious host, let us follow the steps of Aram, who at the early dawn had quitted his sleepless chamber, and, though the clouds at that time still poured down in a dull and heavy sleet, wandered away, whither he neither knew nor heeded. He was now hurrying, with unabated speed, though with of mountain that backed the green and lovely valleys among which his home was cast."Yes!" said he, at last halting abruptly, with a desperate resolution stamped on his countenance - "yes! I will so determine. If, after this interview, I feel that I cannot command and bind Houseman's perpetual secrecy, I will surrender Madeline at once.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com