The Mysteries of Udolpho

Often, as the carriage moved slowly over uneven ground, St. Aubert

alighted, and amused himself with examining the curious plants that grew

on the banks of the road, and with which these regions abound; while

Emily, wrapt in high enthusiasm, wandered away under the shades,

listening in deep silence to the lonely murmur of the woods.

Neither village nor hamlet was seen for many leagues; the goat-herd's or

the hunter's cabin, perched among the cliffs of the rocks, were the only

human habitations that appeared.

The travellers again took their dinner in the open air, on a pleasant

spot in the valley, under the spreading shade of cedars; and then set

forward towards Beaujeu.

The road now began to descend, and, leaving the pine forests behind,

wound among rocky precipices. The evening twilight again fell over the

scene, and the travellers were ignorant how far they might yet be from

Beaujeu. St. Aubert, however, conjectured that the distance could not be

very great, and comforted himself with the prospect of travelling on a

more frequented road after reaching that town, where he designed to pass

the night. Mingled woods, and rocks, and heathy mountains were now seen

obscurely through the dusk; but soon even these imperfect images faded

in darkness. Michael proceeded with caution, for he could scarcely

distinguish the road; his mules, however, seemed to have more sagacity,

and their steps were sure.

On turning the angle of a mountain, a light appeared at a distance, that

illumined the rocks, and the horizon to a great extent. It was evidently

a large fire, but whether accidental, or otherwise, there were no means

of knowing. St. Aubert thought it was probably kindled by some of the

numerous banditti, that infested the Pyrenees, and he became watchful

and anxious to know whether the road passed near this fire. He had arms

with him, which, on an emergency, might afford some protection, though

certainly a very unequal one, against a band of robbers, so desperate

too as those usually were who haunted these wild regions. While many

reflections rose upon his mind, he heard a voice shouting from the road

behind, and ordering the muleteer to stop. St. Aubert bade him proceed

as fast as possible; but either Michael, or his mules were obstinate,

for they did not quit the old pace. Horses' feet were now heard; a man

rode up to the carriage, still ordering the driver to stop; and St.

Aubert, who could no longer doubt his purpose, was with difficulty able

to prepare a pistol for his defence, when his hand was upon the door of

the chaise. The man staggered on his horse, the report of the pistol was

followed by a groan, and St. Aubert's horror may be imagined, when in

the next instant he thought he heard the faint voice of Valancourt.

He now himself bade the muleteer stop; and, pronouncing the name of

Valancourt, was answered in a voice, that no longer suffered him to

doubt.