Pagina 736 di 1118

"Go and wait for me in the great hall," said he; as they

departed, he dismounted from his beast, and leading it himself to

the stable, thence approached the hall. The whispering which was

heard among them ceased at his appearance; retiring to one corner

they left a large space around him.

The Unknown raised his hand to enforce the silence that his

presence alone had already effected; then raising his head, which

yet was above that of any of his followers, he said, "Listen to

me, all of you; and let no one speak, unless I ask him a

question. My friends, the way which we have followed until to-day

leads to hell. I do not wish to reproach you, I could not effect

the important change, inasmuch as I have been your leader in our

abominable career; I have been the most guilty of all; but listen

to what I am about to say.