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Updated: June 18, 2025
I spent much of the time in my uncle's library, poring over his books and trying to shake off the melancholy thoughts suggested by my daily life. One day in early autumn, Rayel was sitting with me near an open window overlooking the courtyard, where his father was enjoying the open air. "He will die to-day," said Rayel, calmly. "He told me he would die to-day."
Suddenly, extending one of his blackened hands until it touched my face, he shouted in a loud voice: "Kendric! Kendric! help help me!" Then some men laid hold of me and lifted me up. I clung to Rayel with all my strength, but could not resist them, and as I was borne away I knew that Rayel and I had parted forever.
What would he have done in that lonely mansion after his father's death? For hours my mind was occupied with these reflections, and at length I determined to dress myself and go on deck. Rayel awoke while I was dressing and decided to go with me. We found the decks thronged with people, and the ship's crew were bustling about, getting ready to sail. We stood near the gangway, facing the dock.
The sun was just going down as Rayel and I entered the cabin, where Hester was waiting for us. "The captain thinks we will reach Southampton before five in the morning," said she. I was glad to learn that our voyage was so near its end. After dinner Rayel and I went at once to our stateroom. "I am out of patience with myself," said he, as soon as we were seated.
While I was looking backward another flash of lightning illumined the street. What man was that coming in the distance? Was it Rayel? No, that was scarcely possible. I had only caught a momentary glimpse of him in the quick flash. He was tall and erect like Rayel, and I thought the hat was his. But my imagination must have tricked me after all, for nothing showed clearly.
It was the first time he had ever asked me a question, for he could read my mind like an open book, and to him all questioning was unnecessary. While we were sitting there, thinking over our plans, my uncle summoned us by rapping with his cane. Rayel turned pale, and, with a whispered ejaculation, hurried out of the room and ran down the path to his father, followed closely by myself.
I felt drowsy, and had almost fallen asleep, when my uncle returned, carrying a lantern. "Rayel is asleep," said he, in a whisper. "Won't you come with me? it will not take long." "Certainly," said I, rising, and waiting for him to lead the way. He put on his antique hat and threw a shawl over his shoulders. "It's a chilly night," said he. "You'd better wear another coat."
It was my earnest desire to see something of the big metropolis on the western Atlantic. Moreover, Mr. Earl had advised me in his letters to give Rayel a chance to know more of life in his own country before bringing him to England. When at last the faithful old mute had gone to his new home, and we had turned our backs upon the silent and deserted mansion, Rayel was moved to bitter tears.
A man was pacing back and forth in the opening whose figure seemed familiar to me. Presently he came aboard, and as he passed near us I saw it was the omnipresent Mr. Murmurtot. "I wonder if he is afraid somebody will steal the ship?" I remarked. "No, he is looking for some person," said Rayel, divining my thoughts. "All ashore! Stand away, there!" shouted one of the ship's officers.
Rayel had been silent and absent-minded all the evening, rarely speaking except in reply to some question. "I feel sad for some cause I do not understand," said he, preparing to retire. "I shall be glad when to-morrow comes." "We will go back in the morning," I said. "You don't feel at home here, do you?"
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