Haldimar in the same breath.

"Immediately opposite to us on the common. But see, here
are the remainder of the party stationary, and listening
also."

They now stole gently forward a few paces, and were soon
at the side of their companions, all of whom were straining
their necks and bending their heads in the attitude of
men listening attentively.

"Have you heard any thing, Erskine?" asked Captain
Blessington in the same low whisper, and addressing the
officer who led the opposite party.

"Not a sound ourselves, but here is Sir Everard's black
servant, Sambo, who has just riveted our attention, by
declaring that he distinctly heard a groan towards the
skirt of the common."

"He is right," hastily rejoined Blessington; "I heard it
also."

Again a death-like silence ensued, during which the eyes
of the party were strained eagerly in the direction of
the common. The night was clear and starry, yet the dark
shadow of the broad belt of forest threw all that part
of the waste which came within its immediate range into
impenetrable obscurity.