r to save these soldiers of independence from the blow which
treachery was now aiming at them? "John would have good right to be
angry with me," she breathed out in a voice that even startled herself,
"if I did not give them full warning of what I have heard. This I am
sure of, he will believe _my_ story whatever others may say."

Innocence and purity of mind are both sword and shield in this world,
and no less inspire confidence to defy the malice and uncharitableness
of enemies than they strengthen the arm to do what is right. Mary,
therefore, resolved to forego all maidenly scruples and bravely to
perform her duty, come what might; and having settled upon this
conclusion she impatiently awaited the moment when she might venture
forth upon her office of humanity. In this situation it was not long
before she heard the distant footfall of a horse's gallop along the
road, indicating to her the departure of Michael Lynch upon his
traitorous embassy.

The time seemed to be propitious, so Mary arose and dressed herself.
Then tripping stealthily to the door that opened upon the porch, she
undid the bolt. A loud and prolonged creak, from the wooden hinges,
caused her to shake from head to foot. She listened for a moment, and,
finding that no one stirred, stepped forth with the timid and faltering
step which would no less have marked the intent of the burglar, than, as
now it did, the frightened motion of a guardian spirit bent upon an
errand of good. Midway along the porch she had to pass the window of
Adair's apartment; first, the low growl, and then the sudden bark of the
watch-dog saluted her ear, and made her blood run cold. The maiden's
hand, however, soothed him into silence; but the noise had attracted
the notice of Wat Adair, who grumbled out a short curse from within,
which was distinctly audible to Mary. She hastily fled to the further
end of the porch, and there stood cowering close against the wall,
almost as mute and motionless as a statue, scarce daring to breathe, and
poised, as in the act to run, with her weight resting on one foot, the
other raised from the floor. In this position she remained during a long
interval of fear, until, at length, convinced that all was quiet, she
again ventured forward. The window of the travellers' chamber looked out
from the gable end of the dwelling, and she was now immediately before
it. One of the beds of the room, she knew, was placed beside this
window, and was occupied b