f Pablo, there was earnest
devotion and gratitude to Heaven when their orisons were offered up.

Humphrey was off before daybreak, and, at nine o'clock, had arrived at
the cottage of Oswald, by whom he was warmly greeted before the cause of
his unexpected arrival was made known. Oswald was greatly annoyed at
Humphrey's narration, and appeared to be very much of the opinion of
Pablo, which was, to leave the scoundrel where he was; but on the
remonstrance of Humphrey, he set off, with two of the other verderers,
and before nightfall Humphrey arrived at the pit-fall, where they heard
Corbould groaning below.

"Who's there?" said Oswald, looking into the pit.

"It's me--it's Corbould," replied the man.

"Are you hurt?"

"Yes, badly," replied Corbould; "when I fell, my gun went off, and the
ball has gone through my thigh. I have almost bled to death."

Humphrey went for the ladder, which was at hand, and, with much exertion
on the part of the whole four of them, they contrived to drag out
Corbould, who groaned heavily with pain. A handkerchief was tied
tightly round his leg, to prevent any further bleeding, and they gave
him some water, which revived him.

"Now, what's to be done?" said Oswald; "we can never get him home."

"I will tell you," said Humphrey, walking with him aside. "It will not
do for any of these men to know our cottage, and we cannot take them
there. Desire them to remain with the man, while you go for a cart to
carry him home. We will go to the cottage, give Billy his supper, and
then return with him in the cart, and bring your men something to eat.
Then I will go with you, and bring the cart back again before daylight.
It will be a night's walk, but it will be the safest plan."

"I think so too," replied Oswald, who desired the men to wait till his
return, as he was going to borrow a cart; and then set off with
Humphrey.

As soon as they arrived at the cottage, Humphrey gave the pony to Pablo
to put into the stable and feed, and then communicated to Edward the
state of Corbould.

"It's almost a pity that he had not killed himself out-right," observed
Oswald; "it would have been justice to him for attempting your life
without any cause; he is a bloodthirsty scoundrel, and I wish he was
anywhere but where he is. However, the Intendant shall know of it, and
I have no doubt that he will be discharged."

"Do nothing in a hurry, Oswald," replied Edward; "at present let him
give his own ver