By this time Walter had opened his eyes.

The cordial was poured down his throat, and he was presently able to speak.
"Be of good cheer, Sir Walter," Ralph said; "three of your rascally assailants lie dead, and the other two have fled; but I have better news still for you.

Lady Edith, who you told me lay unconscious and dying, has revived.

The din of the conflict seems to have reached her ears and recalled her to life, and the dear lady came to my room with the news that you were carried off, and then, while I was throwing on my clothes, roused the village to your assistance by ringing the alarm-bell.

Rarely frightened I was when she came in, for methought at first it was her spirit." The good news, as Ralph had predicted, effectually roused Walter, and rising to his feet he declared himself able to mount and ride back at once.