She listened calmly; but I could tell by the paling of her cheeks and the heaving of her bosom that my story was a shock to her.
"If this be true," said she presently, "as I suppose it is, why stand we idly here ?" "The Captain quitted the Hall at daybreak," said I.

"I saw him go.

To- night the letter should reach Sir William announcing his detention at Court, and committing you to the charge of this man Laker." "Before which time," said the maiden, resolutely, "I shall be far enough away, and with a better escort.

What say you, Sir Ludar?
When shall we set out ?" So she had accepted our protection before ever we offered it! It would have done you good to mark the joyous smile on Ludar's face as he saw all his difficulties vanish at a word, and found that she took him after all for her champion.
"In an hour's time," said he, "if it be not too speedy a making ready." "'Tis a long journey," said she.

"Which way do we go?
and are we to gallop from here to Ireland all the way with the enemy at our heels ?" Then I spoke.
"By your leave," said I, "I know of an easier and safer way than the road.