"Werewolf" - читать интересную книгу автора (Housman Clarence)

she smiled more readily on me than on you.'

The jest was not without foundation, for the grace of White Fell's
bright looks had been bestowed on him, on Christian never a whit.
Sweyn's coxcombery was always frank, and most forgiveable, and
not without fair colour.

'If you want an ally,' continued Sweyn, 'confide in old Trella. Out
of her stores of wisdom, if her memory holds good, she can
instruct you in the orthodox manner of tackling a werewolf. If I
remember aright, you should watch the suspected person till
midnight, when the beast's form must be resumed, and retained
ever after if a human eye sees the change; or, better still, sprinkle
hands and feet with holy water, which is certain death. Oh! never
fear, but old Trella will be equal to the occasion.'

Sweyn's contempt was no longer good-humoured; some touch of
irritation or resentment rose at this monstrous doubt of White Fell.
But Christian was too deeply distressed to take offence.

'You speak of them as old wives' tales; but if you had seen the
proof I have seen, you would be ready at least to wish them true, if
not also to put them to the test.'

'Well,' said Sweyn, with a laugh that had a little sneer in it, 'put
them to the test! I will not object to that, if you will only keep your
notions to yourself. Now, Christian, give me your word for silence,
and we will freeze here no longer.'

Christian remained silent.

Sweyn put his hands on his shoulders again and vainly tried to see
his face in the darkness.

'We have never quarrelled yet, Christian?'

'I have never quarrelled,' returned the other, aware for the first time
that his dictatorial brother had sometimes offered occasion for
quarrel, had he been ready to take it.

'Well,' said Sweyn emphatically, 'if you speak against White Fell to
any other, as tonight you have spoken to me we shall.'

He delivered the words like an ultimatum, turned sharp round, and
re-entered the house. Christian, more fearful and wretched than
before, followed.

'Snow is falling fast: not a single light is to be seen.'

White Fell's eyes passed over Christian without apparent notice,