e from the bailiffs, since it prevented me
from suffering the ignominy of being forced to go to trial, and will
give me the opportunity of going by my own free will. But I do _not_
thank them for detaining me here to the detriment of my honor, when I
wish to secure that honor by frankly giving myself up to justice. I am
sure you comprehend me, Raphael?"

"I do, madam; but still I cannot conceive why the captain should oppose
your wish to go to trial."

"It is enough that he does oppose it," replied Sybil, who could not tell
this lad that his father, being the real criminal, was unwilling that
she should suffer for his crime.

"You are certain, madam, that he would do so?" inquired the boy
dubiously.

"I am quite certain; for I put the question to him this morning."

"Lady, what would you like to do first?"

"To escape from this place, go to Blackville, give myself up to the
judge, and demand to be cleared from this foul charge by a public
trial."

"But are you sure that such a trial would result in your complete
vindication, and restoration to your home and happiness?"

"As sure as innocence can be of acquittal!"

The boy suddenly got up and knelt at her feet.

"Lady, what would you have me to do? Command me, for life or for death."

"Thanks, dear young friend, you are a true knight."

"But what would you have me to do?"

"Help me to escape from this place, escort me to Blackville, and attend
me to the judge's house."

"I will do so! When shall we start?"

"Let me see--how far is Blackville from this place?"

"About five miles."

"And how is the road?"

"As bad as a road can be."

"Could we reach the village on foot?"

"Better on foot than in a carriage, or on horseback; because the foot
way is shorter. By the road it is five miles; by a foot-path that I
know, which is almost a bee-line, it is not more than half that
distance."

"We will go on foot, then," said Sybil, rising.

"When?" inquired the lad, following her example.

"Now. We will set out at once! No one notices our position now. If we
were to return to the house, we might be observed and watched."

"I am ready," said the boy, closing his portfolio, and hiding it under a
flat piece of rock, where he thought it would be equally safe from
trespassers and from the elements.

"Let us go," said Sybil.

"This way then, madam," replied the lad, leading the way to the woods.

"I have another reason for haste," Sybil explained as they