"Then we have nothing farther to prevent us from returning to the farm immediately," exclaimed Ellen; and, taking Katherine's arm, she turned away with a haughty inclination of her head.
"Neither need we remain here any longer, Mr. Tidkins," said the hag.
"Tidkins!" repeated Ellen, with a convulsive shudder—for the name reached her ear as she was leading her young friend homeward:—"Tidkins!" she murmured, the blood running cold in her veins; "my God! what new plot can now be contemplated?"
And she hurried Katherine along the path, as if a wild beast were behind them.
"Do you know those people?" asked Miss Wilmot, alarmed by her companion's tone and manner.
"Unfortunately," replied Ellen, in a low voice and with rapid utterance,—"unfortunately I can attest that the woman whom we have just met, is the vilest of the vile; and the mention of that man's name has revealed to me the presence of a wretch capable of every atrocity—a villain whose crimes are of the blackest dye—an assassin whose enmity to our benefactor Richard is as furious as it is unwearied. Come, Katharine—come: hasten your steps;—we shall not be in safety until we reach the farm."
And the two young ladies hurried rapidly along the path towards the dwelling, every now and then casting timid glances behind them.
But the Resurrection Man and the old hag had not thought it expedient to follow.
CHAPTER CXCVIII.
A GLOOMY VISITOR.
As soon as the two young ladies had reached the farm-house, Ellen addressed Katherine with alarming seriousness of manner.