Whoever he was, the man was evidently uncertain which
way he should proceed. When he moved forward, it was first to
advance several paces toward the Merchant's Table; then he went
back again toward the distant cottages and the church. Twice he
hesitated thus; the second time pausing long before he appeared
finally to take the way that led to the village.
Leaving the post of observation among the stones, at which he had
instinctively halted for some minutes past, Gabriel now proceeded
on his own path. Could this man really be his father? And if it
were so, why did Francois Sarzeau only determine to go to the
village where his business lay, after having twice vainly
attempted to persevere in taking the exactly opposite direction
of the Merchant's Table? Did he really desire to go there? Had he
heard the name mentioned, when the old man referred to it in his
dying words? And had he failed to summon courage enough to make
all safe by removing--This last question was too horrible to be
pursued; Gabriel stifled it affrightedly in his own heart as he
went on.
He reached the great Druid monument without meeting a living soul
on his way. The sun was rising, and the mighty storm-clouds of
the night were parting asunder wildly over the whole eastward
horizon. The waves still leaped and foamed gloriously: but the
gale had sunk to a keen, fresh breeze.
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