Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/52

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44
PAUL CLIFFORD.

great ingenuity a labyrinthine path had been cut, not easily tracked by ignorant pursuers, these precautions of the highwaymen had provided a fair hope of at least a temporary escape from any invading enemies.

Such were the domestic arrangements of the Red Cave; and it will be conceded that, at least, some skill had been shown in the choice of the spot, if there were a lack of taste in its adornments.

While the horses were performing their nightly ascent, our three heroes, after securing the door, made at once to the fire. And there, O reader, they were greeted in welcome by one,—an old and revered acquaintance of thine,—whom in such a scene it will equally astound, and wound thee to re-behold.

Know then,—but first we will describe to thee the occupation and the garb of the august personage to whom we allude. Bending over a large gridiron, daintily bespread with steaks of the fatted rump, the INDIVIDUAL stood;— with his right arm bared above the elbow, and his right hand grasping that mimic trident known unto gastrono-