72 THE ROBBER STURMWIND:
“No fear, if you please, and no noise, “returned Opalinsky, drawing her forcibly to the aperture; “the steps are strong enough. “Susanna descended trembling, and Opalinsky followed. Below stood two men, similar in the wildness of their dress and countenance to those who had taken the horses from the sledges.They held lighted branches of fir wood, which cast a gloomy glare on the walls of the bare vault. After passing through other similar excavations, they stood before a massive oak door, on which Opalinsky knocked, and it was unbolted withinside. They then entered a large vaulted apartment, in which several lamps were burning, and day light seemed perfectly excluded; various kinds of arms hung on the naked walls, and ten or twelve men, of rough and repulsive exterior, sat round a table, some occupied at dice, others looking on, and all drinking out of large cans. There were also two women there, whose manner was bold and unpleasing. “The Captain! “was re echoed by many voices as they entered, and all rose in confusion. He passed the frail fair ones contemptuously, nodded to some of the men, and passed on to another chamber, where stood a lamp burning on a table, and arms hung against the wall.
“This is our dwelling, dearest, “said Opalinsky, “day light only is wanting; for, in all other respects, it is warm and comfortable. "
“Tell me, for God's sake, “said Susanna, “where I am, and who you are? "
“My treasure, “replied he, “many questions answer themselves; and what may be guessed with certainty, needs not asking. "
“Horrible man! “she exclaimed, with a piercing shriek, “you are a robber captain! and this is your abominable lurking place! "
Yes! I
With a malicious laugh, he rejoined: “You have said it, though in a rude manner. am the leader of a brave band, some of whom you have seen; and you may think yourself lucky that you belong to me, and not to one of them.— I was prepared for a little whining and affectation when I undertook to bring you here, and my fondness will make me indulgent; but have a care! do not exhaust my patience. I love you, and will remember that I am your husband; but recollect that I am also your lord; think on that. I have now many things to attend to, and in the evening we shall meet again. “And so saying, he left her, and closed the door.
Opalinsky bolted the door on the outside, and Susanna remained the image of misery. For some time she sat in mute despair, unable to reason or think coherently till a flood of tears broke from her eyes, and deep sobs relieved her oppressed and swelling bosom. Her situation was indeed pitiable: no one was near to give her consolation or hope; and all was silent, except when the vaulted roof echoed her lamentations. After an hour had thus passed, a servant entered, placed some food on the table before her, and left the room; and she again heard the bolts drawn. In the adjoining chamber, there appeared to be a large party assembled at a feast;
and, amidst the confused sound of cans and pitchers, the voices of men, and the clatter of knives, Susanna heard the notes of a guitar, which seemed to be touched by a skilful hand.
The music fell like balm on her heart; but when she distinguished some of the words which were sung to it ( although, on account of the thickness of the walls, they could not be clearly heard ) her horror of the place in which she was confined returned. But her sorrow gradually abated, when the idea of flight occurred to her mind. How was this to be accomplished or even begun? she examined the damp stone walls of her subterranean prison: it had no window, and apparently no outlet except the bolted door; and even if that were found open, she would have to pass through the large vault, which was generally full of men.
Still brooding over this thought ( and often between while, when hope failed her, wringing her hands ) she heard the door unfastened and Opalinsky entered. He was just risen from supper, and half intoxicated: his cheek glowed with wine, and his large black eyes shot fire. “What! “said he, “is my pretty bird still in tears? “Fear robbed Susanna of all self possession; she shrunk from his approach and fainted. When she revived, Opalinsky was gone, the lamp burnt out, and all was perfectly silent. “Ah! “she exclaimed, mournfully, “daylight never enters here! merciful God! would that I might never live to see another day. “After some time, the same attendant who had brought her refreshment, entered; he replenished the lamp and lighted it.“It is day without, “said he, “and our Captain will presently visit you: “and very shortly Opalinsky appeared. Breakfast was brought in, and he invited Susanna to the table, and helped both her and himself, saying: “Lay aside these caprices, my treasure; and believe me there is nothing which one may not be accustomed to by use; and you will not want for leisure to grow accustomed to all about you here. You will soon find that our mode of life is far from being so miserable as the shabby townsfolk have, no doubt, represented it to you. Besides, you shall not always live underground, as now but often enjoy the open air: and when you mix with other people, it shall be with an appearance becoming your beauty and my consequence. It is now daylight, “continued he, “and I must leave you again till evening farewell, and here is something to amuse you, “and he laid before her a valuable ornament, set with precious stones, and departed.
When Susanna saw the jewels sparkling before her, the thought crossed her mind that they might be very useful to her, and she determined to retain them. On turning, she saw, for the first time, that the door was not quite closed, and looking into the large chamber, she perceived only two men who were sleeping on the benches. Induced by the unusual stillness, she took courage to step on softly, and found herself in the entrance vaults, through which Opalinsky had led her. These were not lighted by any lamp,
