“On, on,” whispered Learmont; “let it be done quickly now—this suspense is terrible.”
“Take a little of this,” said Britton, producing the brandy; “it will warm you; for you tremble as if you had got the ague,” and Learmont, in his heart, felt thankful for the offer. He took the bottle with a trembling hand, and drunk deep of the contents. He might as well have drunk as much water, for, in his present state of mind, the ardent spirit had no power over him, nor could any artificial excitement equal the fearful one which possessed him already.
Britton himself took a draught from the bottle, and then placed it in a corner by the staircase, as of no further, use, being empty, and without another word he commenced the ascent of the attic staircase. Learmont followed him closely, and, when they were half way up, he laid his hand upon Britton’s arm, and said, in a whisper that sounded like the hissing of a snake,—
“Britton, Britton—kill him—at once—do not delay—kill him at once.”
“What?” muttered Britton, “and scarcely let him know that there are people as cunning as himself. If I do kill him at once, may I be—”
“Hush, hush—remember that we must secure the confession. Without that, we are but forging a bolt for our own destruction. Perhaps I had better see him first myself.”
“That you may do as you like, squire, but give me the pleasure of using this cleaver on his skull when I please.”
“You shall, you shall—I will see him first, and, by practising upon his fears endeavour to procure his confession from him by a quicker means than searching for it. Go on, Britton—go on. Should his door be locked, you can open it; and do you keep guard at the head of the stairs while I enter his room.”
“As you please, squire. First or last, I care not, so as I’m in at the death, and have a few minutes talk with my old friend, Jacob, first.”
“Hush, hush. We are there. See ye not yon streak of light from beneath that door? It must be his chamber. Now, Britton, now—remember if he be awake, he must die at once, for the opening of the door will alarm him, and he may raise some cry that may bring help; but if I succeed in entering his room without his knowledge, do you wait, and when you hear me utter the words, ‘The hour has come,’ do you enter and kill him—but do not have a struggle, Britton—kill him at once—kill him at once.”