did."

"And yet strangely like to each other," said the chief.

"Marvellously," returned Beniah.

A slight sound in Gadarn's nose caused the Hebrew to look up quickly,
but the chief was gazing with stern gravity out at the opening of his
booth, where the men of his force could be seen busily at work felling
trees, kindling fires, and otherwise preparing for the evening meal.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

MORE SECRETS AND SURPRISES.

All went well with the party that conducted Branwen to King Hudibras'
town until they reached the hut of Beniah the Hebrew, when the lad
suggested to the leader of the escort that they should put up there, as
it was too late to think of intruding on the king that night.

As the lieutenant had been told to pay particular regard to the wishes
of his charge, he at once agreed. Indeed, during the journey, Cormac
(as we may here continue to call the girl) had expressed his wishes with
such a quiet, matter-of-course air of authority that the officer in
charge had come to the conclusion that the youth must be the son of some
person of importance--perhaps even of King Hudibras himself. He
therefore accorded him implicit obedience and deference.

"The hut is too small for all of us," said Cormac; "the greater number
of your men must sleep outside; but that does not matter on so fine a
night."

"True, it matters nothing," replied the officer. "We will all of us sup
and sleep round the campfires."

"Nay, you and your lieutenant will sup with me. Afterwards you can join
the men. By-the-by, there is an old woman here, who takes charge--or
ought to take charge--of the Hebrew's dwelling during his absence."

"I have not seen her," said the officer.

"True--but she will no doubt make her appearance soon. Let her come and
go as she pleases without hindrance. It is not safe to thwart her, for
her temper is none of the sweetest, and she is apt to scratch."

Supper was soon over, for the party had travelled all day, and were
weary. When it was finished Cormac again cautioned the officers not to
interfere with the old woman, for she was dangerous.

"I will have a care," said the officer, laughing, as he and his
subaltern rose, bade their charge good-night, and took their leave.

The instant they were gone Branwen pushed the plank-bridge across the
chasm, and disappeared in the secret cave.

Half an hour later the two officers were seated with some of the men at
the camp-fire nearest the hut,