“Sir, what under heaven is the meaning of this?” said the bewildered Ray, while the rest looked on almost speechless with astonishment.
There was no reply. The outlaw had leaned his arm on a sort of mantel, and, with his head dropped upon it, stood like one stunned by some mighty blow. All were white and mute with wonder.
He lifted his head at last, and they started to behold its dreadful ghastliness. His eyes for some moments were fixed in a long, inexplicable gaze on the surprised face of Ray, then, in the same low, hoarse tone, he asked:
“And she, your grandmother—does she still live?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“In Old Barrens Cottage; but she is a helpless paralytic.”
“So near, so near! and I never knew it. Great Heaven! how wonderful is thy dispensations!” he groaned.
“Is it possible you knew her?” asked the bewildered Ray.
“Yes, I knew her,” he replied, slowly. “Tell me, did she ever speak to you of your father?”