No
other sound was heard, nor living object seen.
While gazing into the dreary expanse beneath him, Wyat for the first
time since starting experienced a sensation of doubt and dread; and
the warning of his old and faithful attendant rushed upon his mind. He
tried to recite a prayer, but the words died away on his lips--neither
would his fingers fashion the symbol of a cross.
But even these admonitions did not restrain him. Springing from his
foaming and panting steed, and taking the bridle in his hand, he
descended the side of the acclivity. Ever and anon a rustling among
the grass told him that a snake, with which description of reptile the
spot abounded, was gliding away from him. His horse, which had
hitherto been all fire and impetuosity, now began to manifest symptoms
of alarm, quivered in every limb, snorted, and required to be dragged
along forcibly.
When within a few paces of the tree, its enormous rifted trunk became
fully revealed to him; but no one was beside it. Wyat then stood still,
and cried in a loud, commanding tone, "Spirit, I summon thee!--appear!"
At these words a sound like a peal of thunder rolled over head,
accompanied by screeches of discordant laughter.
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