So far from being last, thou
art the first of the hunters we have yet seen. Go in to the Madam without
delay, and tell her of the danger, if any there be, that we take speedy
measures for our safety."
"That would do little good, truly," muttered the borderer, like one
musing. "Stay thou here, and watch the postern, Faith; I will back to the
woods; for a timely word, or a signal blown from my conch, might quicken
their footsteps."
"What madness hath beset thee, Dudley! Thou wouldst not go into the forest
again, at this hour and alone, if there be reason for fear! Come farther
within the gate, man, that I may draw the bolt the Madam will wonder that
we tarry here so long."
"Ha!--I hear feet moving in the meadow; I know it by the creaking of the
snow; the others are not lagging."
Notwithstanding the apparent certainty of the young man, instead of going
forth to meet his friends, he withdrew a step, and with his own hand drew
the bolt that Faith had just desired might be fastened; taking care at the
same time to let fall a swinging bar of wood, which gave additional
security to the fastenings of the postern.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203