That road was longer by a league than the one Sir George would take, but I could put my horse to his greatest speed, and I might be able to reach the castle in time to enable John and Mary to escape.

I considered the question a moment.

My own life certainly would pay the forfeit in case of failure; but my love for John and, I confess it with shame, the memory of my old tenderness for Mary impelled me to take the risk.

I explained the plan upon which I was thinking, and told them of my determination.

When I did so, Madge grasped me by the arm to detain me, and Dorothy fell upon her knees and kissed my hand.
I said, "I must start at once; for, ride as I may, I fear the yeomen will reach Rutland gates before I can get there." "But If the guards should be at the gates when you arrive, or if you should be missed by Cecil, you, a Scottish refugee and a friend of Queen Mary, would be suspected of treason, and you would lose your life," said Madge, who was filled with alarm for my sake.
"That is true," I replied; "but I can think of no other way whereby John can possibly be saved." Dorothy stood for a moment in deep thought, and said:-- "I will ride to Rutland by way of Lathkil Dale--I will ride in place of you, Malcolm.