I am afraid I must sign a warrant for
detaining you in custody, but this house shall for the present be
your prison. I fear I cannot persuade you to accept a share of our
supper?--(Edward shook his head)--but I will order refreshments in your
apartment.
Our hero bowed and withdrew, under guard of the officers of justice, to
a small but handsome room, where, declining all offers of food or wine,
he flung himself on the bed, and, stupefied by the harassing events
and mental fatigue of this miserable day, he sank into a deep and heavy
slumber. This was more than he himself could have expected; but it is
mentioned of the North American Indians, when at the stake of torture,
that on the least intermission of agony, they will sleep until the fire
is applied to awaken them.
CHAPTER XXXII
A CONFERENCE, AND THE CONSEQUENCE
Major Melville had detained Mr. Morton during his examination of
Waverley, both because he thought he might derive assistance from his
practical good sense and approved loyalty, and also because it was
agreeable to have a witness of unimpeached candour and veracity to
proceedings which touched the honour and safety of a young Englishman of
high rank and family, and the expectant heir of a large fortune.
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