Allan Breck Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1834 Excerpt: ...dangers are around him, and that his chances of escape are, to say the least, uncertain. It was near midnight, when Allan found himself approaching a solitary house, which, with its outbuildings, apparently lodges and stables, formed a sort of court-yard, or three sides of a square. Of the architecture of that mansion, as well as of the localities with which it was surrounded, the darkness necessarily hindered him from receiving any distinct impression; but the clank of his horse's hoofs, as he guided the animal towards it, made him aware that the court itself at least was paved. A light too, that streamed from a small window just above the front door, afforded proof that the place was inhabited; and that its inmates were not all retired to rest, the prompt appearance of a man, in answer, as it seemed, to a low whistle from Parson Neil, at once assured him. Allan was not slow in imitating the example that was set. He alighted, and giving his bridle to the stranger, followed his tutor on foot. Without pausing to knock, Parson Neil lifted the latch, and Allan saw before him a narrow flight of stone steps, illuminated by a single rushlight, stuck in the recess of what is called a " bore," or small casement. By these they ascended to a long passage or corridor, which ran, as it appeared to Allan, along the whole breadth of the house; and served, as a variety of doorways distinctly pointed out, to connect its several apartments together. Here again Parson Neil gave proof that he was not ignorant of the locale. He turned to his left, and leading forward, conducted Allan into a small but comfortable parlour, where, with his back to the grate, in which, notwithstanding the season of the year, a fire of peat was burning, stood the same individual who under...