`` But how if he wakes ? '' said the other . His companion thrust aside his waistcoat , pointed to the handle of a dirk and nodded . `` So be it ! '' muttered the second villain . They approached the unconscious David , and , while one pointed the dagger toward his heart , the other began to search the bundle beneath his head . Their two faces , grim , wrinkled and ghastly with guilt and fear , bent over their victim , looking horrible enough to be mistaken for fiends should he suddenly awake . Nay , had the villains glanced aside into the spring , even they would hardly have known themselves as reflected there . But David Swan had never worn a more tranquil aspect , even when asleep on his mother 's breast . `` I must take away the bundle , '' whispered one . `` If he stirs , I 'll strike , '' muttered the other . But at this moment a dog scenting along the ground came in beneath the maple trees and gazed alternately at each of these wicked men and then at the quiet sleeper . He then lapped out of the fountain . `` Pshaw ! '' said one villain . `` We can do nothing now . The dog 's master must be close behind . '' `` Let 's take a drink and be off , '' said the other . The man with the dagger thrust back the weapon into his bosom and drew forth a pocket-pistol , but not of that kind which kills by a single discharge . It was a flask of liquor with a block-tin tumbler screwed upon the mouth .
Each drank a comfortable dram , and left the spot with so many jests and such laughter XXXXX their unaccomplished wickedness that they might be said to have gone on their way rejoicing .
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