The boys pricked up their ears at this unusual sound, and stole
glances at each other when they imagined themselves unseen by the
awful faces in the gallery. Presently those nearest the door saw
a broader shadow fall over those flickering upon the stone. A red
face appeared for a moment, and was then drawn back out of sight.
The shadow advanced and receded, in a state of peculiar
restlessness. Sometimes the end of a riding-whip was visible,
sometimes the corner of a coarse gray coat. The boys who noticed
these apparitions were burning with impatience, but they dared not
leave their seats until Abraham Bradbury had reached his hand to
Henry Donnelly.
Then they rushed out. The mysterious personage was still beside
the door, leaning against the wall. He was a short, thick-set man
of fifty, with red hair, round gray eyes, a broad pug nose, and
projecting mouth. He wore a heavy gray coat, despite the heat, and
a waistcoat with many brass buttons; also corduroy breeches and
riding boots. When they appeared, he started forward with open
mouth and eyes, and stared wildly in their faces.
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