Enter Young Arden, with a fowling-piece in his hand, stepping cautiously, and then looking round, as if disappointed.
YOUNG ARDEN.
He has got into the house already. After watching here since twilight, I have suffered him to escape. Wretched timidity! though his friend stood so near him, I am marksman enough to have been in no danger of killing the wrong person. Foolish, cruel caution! must I return to my father again, and no deliverance gained? I will not return! Here will I watch till the morning, and shoot him in the light of day.—I will not return again to shame, and disgrace, and misery, and despair. (Observing light from the window, and Robinair and Bruton, who make their appearance within, and sit down at a table, on which are some refreshments.) Ha! yonder he is again! Now is my time. (Raising his arm.) Hand, hand, be thou strong and steady! heart, be thou firm! The life of my father is in the exertion of a moment. And Thou, great father of all! wilt thou pardon this act? Wilt Thou pity me? Wilt Thou have mercy on me? O, have mercy! have mercy! though I dare not pray to thee! (Goes nearer to the window, and points his gun, when Bruton within changes his position, and comes upon a line with Robinair.)
