ith me."

George obeyed and put out his hands, with the fingers upward, Jael did
the same, with the fingers downward: they took hands, and, putting their
stalwart arms under Coventry, told him to fling an arm round each of
their necks: he did so, and up he went; he was no more than a feather to
this pair, the strongest man and woman in Cairnhope.

As they went along, he told them his adventure in the stream, and, when
they heard it, they ejaculated to each other, and condoled with him
kindly, and assured him he was alive by a miracle.

They reached Raby, and, in the great hall, the Squire collected his
people and gave his orders. "Stop the bell. Broach a barrel of ale,
and keep open house, so long as malt, and bacon, and cheese last. Turn
neither body nor beast from my door this night, or may God shut His gate
in your faces. Here are two guineas, George, to ring the church-bells,
you and your fellows; but sup here first. Cans of hot water upstairs,
for us. Lay supper, instead of dinner; brew a bowl of punch. Light all
the Yule candles, as if it was Christmas eve. But first down on your
knees, all of ye, whilst I thank God, who has baffled those Gabriel
Hell-hounds for once, and saved a good man and a bonny lass from a dog's
death."

They all went down on their knees, on the marble floor, directly, and
the Squire uttered a few words of hearty thanksgiving, and there was
scarcely a dry eye.

Then the guests went upstairs, and had their hot baths, and changed
their clothes, and came down to supper in the blazing room.

Whilst they were at supper, the old servant who waited on them said
something in a low voice to his master. He replied that he would speak
to the man in the hall.

As soon as he was gone, Miss Carden said in French, "Did you hear that?"

"No."

"Well, I did. Now, mind your promise. We shall have to fib. You had
better say nothing. Let me speak for you; ladies fib so much better than
gentlemen."

Mr. Raby came back, and Grace waited to see if he would tell her.
I don't think he intended to, at first: but he observed her eyes
inquiring, and said, "One of the men, who was out after you tonight, has
brought in word there is a light in Cairnhope old church."

"Do you believe it?"

"No. But it is a curious thing; a fortnight ago (I think, I told you) a
shepherd brought me the same story. He had seen the church on fire; at
least he said so. But mark the paralyzing effect of superstition. My
present