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For a long while (as it see to e into this dreadful abyss where the black water, lapping sluggishly,noises very evil to hear At last I turned about (and hty careful) and so made my ways up and out of this unhallowed placethe cave at last (and very thankful) I sought to close the door, but found it to resist my efforts This but made me the more deter air, and I began to examine this door to discover the reason of its immobility Now this (as I have said) was a narrow door and set betwixt ja and excellent well contrived; but as I lifted my candle to view it better I stopped all at once to stare up at a soe shrivelled black thing very like to a great spider rithen legs updrawn; and now, peering closer, I saw this was a human hand hacked off midway 'trist and elbow and skewered to the lintel by a great nail And as I stood staring up at this evil thing, froonised wailing that rose to a bubbling shriek; and though I knew this for no le to sudden chill Howbeit I lifted her yet, and thus saw beneath this shrivelled, claw-like hand a parchh black with dust Wiping this dust away I read these words, very fair writ in bold, clear characters: JAMES BALLANTYNE HIS HAND WHEREWITH HE FOULLY MURDERED A GOOD MAN THIS HAND CUT OFF BY ME THIS JUNE 23 1642 THE SAME BALLANTYNE HAVING PERISHED SUDDENLY BY A PISTOL SHOT ACCORDING TO MY OATH LIKE ROGUES--TAKE WARNING

ADAM PENFEATHER

In a while I turned froan to exah full of dust and so disuse; the sah yelloas still strong and serviceable Reaching the firelock from the corner I found it to be furnished with a snaphaunce or flintlock, and though very rusty, ood weapon had I but powder and shot for it But the bandoliers held in all but two poor charges, which powder I determined to keep for the pistol Therefore I set theso espied a book that lay open and face down beneath the bedstead Taking it up I wiped off the dust, and opening this book at the first page I came on this: ADAM PENFEATHER HYS JOURNAL 1642