ot from that day show much evidence of
getting well. His case was far beyond the skill of his amateur doctor.
It was, therefore, resolved, a day or two later, to send him home under
an escort led by Beniah.

"I will follow you ere long," said Gadarn, as he grasped the hand of the
invalid at parting, "for I have business at the court of King Hudibras."

Gunrig raised himself in the litter in which he was borne by four men,
and looked the northern chief earnestly in the face.

"You have not yet found your daughter?" he asked.

"Well--no. At least not exactly."

"Not exactly!" repeated Gunrig in surprise.

"No; not exactly. That's all I can say at present. All ready in front
there? Move on! My greetings to the king, and say I shall see him
soon. What, ho! Konar, come hither! Know you where I can find Prince
Bladud?"

"In his booth," replied the hunter.

"Send him to me. I would have speech with him."

When the prince entered the booth of the commander-in-chief, he found
that worthy with his hands on his sides, a tear or two in his eyes, and
very red in the face. He frowned suddenly, however, and became very
grave on observing Bladud.

"I sent for you," he said, "to let you know my intended movements, and
to ask what you mean to do. To-morrow I shall start for your father's
town with all my men."

"What! and leave your daughter undiscovered?"

"Ay. Of what use is it to search any longer? There is not a hole or
corner of the land that we have not ransacked. I am certain that she is
not here, wherever she may be; so I must go and seek elsewhere. Wilt go
with me?"

"That will not I," returned Bladud decisively.

"Wherefore? The Hebrew tells me you are cured; and your father will be
glad to have you back."

"It matters not. I leave not this region until I have made a more
thorough search for and found the lad Cormac, or at least ascertained
his fate."

"Why so anxious about the boy? is he of kin to you?" said Gadarn in a
tone that seemed to convey the slightest possible evidence of contempt.

"Ay, he is of kin," returned Bladud, warmly; "for it seems to me
sometimes that friendship is a closer tie than blood. At all events, I
owe my life to him. Moreover, if he has been captured by robbers, I
feel assured that he will escape before long and return to me."

"Indeed! Are you, then, so sure of his affection? Has he ever dared to
say that he--he is fond of you?"

"Truly, he never has;