Noon
This hill was one of a range that ran from north to southwest ; but in consequence of its standing , as it were , somewhat out of the ranks , its whole appearance and character as a distinct feature of the country were invested with considerable interest to a scientific eye , especially to that of a geologist . An intersection or abrupt glen divided it from those which constituted the range or group alluded to ; through this , as a pass in the country , and the only one for miles , wound a road into an open district on the western side , which road , about half a mile after its entering the glen , was met by a rapid torrent that came down from the gloomy mountains that rose to the left . The foot of this hill , which on the southern side was green and fertile to the top , stretched off and was lost in the rich land that formed the great and magnificent valley it helped to bound , and to which the chasm we have described was but an entrance ; the one bearing to the other , in size and position , much the same relation that a small bye-lane in a country town bears to the great leading street which constitutes its principal feature . Noon had long passed , and the dim sun of a wet autumnal day was sloping down towards the west through clouds and gloom , when a young girl of about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age came out of the cabin we have mentioned , and running up to the top of a little miniature hill or knob that rose beside it , looked round in every direction , as if anxious to catch a glimpse of some one whom she expected . It appeared , however , that she watched in vain ; for after having examined the country in every direction with an eye in which might be read a combined expression of eagerness , anger and disappointment , she once more returned to the cabin with a slow and meditating step . This she continued to do from time to time for about an hour and a half , when at length a female appeared approaching , whom she at once recognized . The situation of this hovel , for such , in fact , it must be termed , was not only strikingly desolate , but connected also with wild and supernatural terrors .