rs Massey consented to retire to bed, and after
listening for some time at last fell asleep. The window of Owen's room
looked directly down upon the outbuilding in which the fugitive was
concealed. Owen felt much relieved, from believing that those who had
gone on were not likely to think of examining the place; still, he could
not go to sleep, and putting out his candle he sat down at the window to
watch, hoping that O'Harrall would take the opportunity of slipping out
and getting off to a distance, no watched in vain. After some hours he
heard the tramp of feet along the road and the voices of men shouting to
each other. They were the people who had gone in chase of O'Harrall.
Could the outlaw have continued his flight and, after all, have been
captured? Owen listened attentively, and felt convinced that they were
returning to the city without having overtaken the fugitive, he could no
longer restrain his wish to ascertain whether O'Harrall was still in the
loft, and cautiously descending the stair, he lighted a lantern and went
out. To place the ladder so as to reach the trap was the work of a
moment. He ascended to the loft, and throwing the light towards the
further end, he saw the man he came to look for sleeping soundly.

Before Owen had advanced a step O'Harrall awoke and, springing to his
feet, saw who it was.

"I came to tell you," said Owen, "that the men who had gone in pursuit
of you have, to the best of my belief, returned to the city, and now
would be a favourable time to make your escape."

O'Harrall hesitated. "What o'clock is it?" he asked.

"Just past midnight," refilled Owen.

"Are you certain that the men who are hunting for me have returned to
the city?" asked O'Harrall.

"Judging from what I heard, and the direction in which their voices died
away, I am confident of it," said Owen.

"Then I will follow your advice," answered O'Harrall. "You have
increased the debt of gratitude I owe you. I have no means of showing
that I am grateful; but do me one favour more--accept this ring; it
belonged to your family. It has a curious device on it, which is its
chief value. I wish you to believe that, reckless as I am, I still
retain some of the feelings I possessed when you knew me in days gone
by. Come, take it; I cannot leave this place till you have done so.
There, man, take the ring; it might have been yours by right."

Owen took the ring and placed it on his finger.

"If we ever ag