the hearth a fire was burning; he waited until
the women had again left the hut. He could hear their voices without
as they talked with those in the next cottage. They might at any moment
return, and it was improbable that they would again go out, for the cold
was bitter, and they would most likely wait indoors for the return of
the men.

This then was his last opportunity. He rolled himself to the fire, and
with his teeth seized the end of one of the burning sticks. He raised
himself into a sitting position, and with the greatest difficulty laid
the burning end of the stick across the cords which bound his wrists. It
seemed to him that they would never catch fire. The flesh scorched and
frizzled, and the smoke rose up with that of the burning rope. The agony
was intense, but it was for life, and Malcolm unflinchingly held the
burning brand in its place until the cords flew asunder and his hands
were free. Although almost mad with the pain, Malcolm set to work
instantly to undo the other ropes. As soon as one of his arms was free
he seized a hatchet, which lay near him, and rapidly cut the rest. He
was not a moment too soon, for as he cut the last knot he heard the
sound of steps, and two women appeared at the door.

On seeing their prisoner standing erect with an axe in his hand they
turned and fled shrieking loudly. It was well for Malcolm that they did
so, for so stiff and numbed were his limbs that he could scarcely hold
the axe, and the slightest push would have thrown him to the ground.

Some minutes passed before, by stamping his feet and rubbing his legs
he restored circulation sufficiently to totter across the room. Then he
seized a brand and thrust it into the thatch of the house, having first
put on his helmet and placed his sword and pistols in his belt. His
hands were too crippled and powerless to enable him to fasten on the
rest of his armour. He knew that he had no time to lose. Fortunately the
women would not know how weak and helpless he was, for had they returned
in a body they could easily have overpowered him; but at any moment the
men might arrive, and if he was found there by them his fate was sealed.

Accordingly as soon as he had fired the hut he made his way from the
village as quickly as he could crawl along. He saw behind him the flames
rising higher and higher. The wind was blowing keenly, and the fire
spread rapidly from house to house, and by the time he reached the road
along which the