"Oh, what has become of those we left ?" she added shuddering.

"Let us trust in God!" murmured the palmer.
Brighter and brighter grew the flame--higher and higher rose the lurid column.

Still the Lady Margaret continued to gaze on the fiery pillar.
At last the light suddenly expanded and burned awhile with intense brilliancy.

It was but for a moment.

Dimmer and dimmer grew the flame, and darkness soon settled over the ashes of Stramen Castle.
The palmer now placed the maiden upon the third horse, and led the way with his hand upon her bridle.