you, but you have got to keep
quiet. Now put your feet together." Desmond took out his pocket
handkerchief and folded it, and tied the girl's ankles firmly
together. "Now then, Ralph, do the same with her wrists. That's right
now. Wrap that shawl of hers three or four times tightly round her
mouth. That's it; let her breathe through her nose. Now you keep a
sharp watch over her, and see she doesn't wriggle out of these things.
If you see any one coming clap your hand over her mouth, and see she
doesn't make a sound. When he comes up you can let go and help me if
necessary; it won't matter her giving a bit of a scream then."

"Now," he went on, this time speaking aloud, "if that girl makes the
least noise, run her through with your sword at once. Don't hesitate a
moment."

"Very well," Ralph said in the same tones. "I will silence her, never
fear."

Ralph sat down close to the girl and watched her sharply. They had
fixed the shawl as well as they could, but he felt sure that by a
sudden effort she could free her mouth sufficiently to scream. She sat
perfectly still; but in about three minutes he saw her suddenly throw
her head back, and in an instant he clapped his hand over her mouth.
She struggled violently in spite of her bonds, and tried to bite; but
with the other arm he held her head firmly, and succeeded in
preventing the slightest sound escaping her. Then he glanced up the
path. As he had expected the girl's quick ear had heard approaching
footsteps that were inaudible to him. A figure was bounding rapidly
toward them. As it reached the gate Desmond sprang upon it. There was
a sharp scuffle for a moment.

"All right, Conway. I have got him."

It was a lad of some fifteen years old this time. He struggled
furiously till Desmond placed a pistol against his head, and told him
that he would blow his brains out if he was not quiet, and taking out
the handcuffs fastened them on to his ankles.

"There is no fear of his doing any running now. Just come and sit down
by this wall, my lad, and remember if you make the slightest sound I
will run my sword through your body."

The lad shuffled to the wall and sat down. Ralph released his grasp of
the girl.

"This is a regular young wildcat, Desmond. She very nearly got my hand
in her mouth, and if she had she would have bitten a piece out. Well,
I shouldn't think there will be any more of them."

"No, I should think not. They would scarcely send off more than two