8
which he supposed he would do in the same
way as before. The mere thought of being
approached by a living creature, and the opportunity
it might present af learning the
doom prepared, or preparing, for him, imparted
some comfort. Besides, if he came alone,
might he not in a furious onset overpower
him? Or he might be accessible to pity, or
the influence of such munificent rewards as he
could bestow, if once more at liberty and
master of himself. Say he were armed. The
worse that could befall, if not bribe, nor prayers,
nor force prevaled, was a faithful blow,
which though dealt in a damned cause, might
work a desired end. There was no chance so
desperate, but it looked lovely in Vivenzio's
eyes compared with the idea of being totally
abandoned.
The night came, and Vivenzio watched.
Morning came, and Vivenzio was confounded!
He must have slumbered without knowing
it. Sleep must have stolen over him
when exhausted by fatigue, and in the interval
of feverish repose, he had been baffled; for
there stood his replenished pitcher of water,
and there his day’s meal! Nor was this all.
Casting his looks towards the windows of his
dungeon, he counted but FIVE! ere was
no decepton; and he was now convinced there
had been none the day before. But what did
all this portend? Into what strange and mysterious
den had he been cast? e gazed till
