f a wild beast in pain.

All through the day I kept out of sight, but nothing escaped my notice.
I determined to be very careful, for Eli had caused me to have many
suspicions. Twice only did I see any priests, and then I noticed that
they talked eagerly to each other, as if they had something important
engaging their attention. In the Manor House, however, all was silent as
the grave. No words can say how I longed to gain admission and see my
loved one again, especially when I thought of the history of the house,
and the many secret places it possessed. Still I had done the best I had
been able, and it was for me to follow out the plans I had made.

When five 'clock came my heart began to beat high with hope. I should
soon see my loved one again, and take her to a place of safety. My many
fears began to depart, too. I felt certain that no one suspected my
plans, and that Naomi would be able to find her way to the bower in
which I had seen her.

My hiding-place was in the sexton's tool-house at the back of the
church, and from here I could see the entrances to the house, so unless
there was some subterranean way leading to Lanherne Manor, no one could
come or go away without my notice.

After the clock had struck five I went back to the inn. It was now dark,
for the moon had not yet appeared, and the clouds hung heavily in the
sky. While I was eating the beef and potato pasty which the landlady had
provided for me, I thought I heard the sound of wheels, so I went to the
door and listened intently, but all seemed silent. I could not be quite
sure, however, for the wind had risen and wailed dismally among the
trees which grew so plentifully in the valley. I went back and finished
my meal, knowing that if I would be strong I must not neglect my food. I
was hungry, too, for we Penningtons have always been a hearty race, and
have ever insisted on keeping a good table.

When I had appeased my hunger I went to the door again. Feeling in my
pocket for the rope-ladder I had been making through the day, I prepared
to make a detour of the house again. I fancied that Naomi might have
some communication to make now darkness had come, and so, eager for
something to do, I wandered through the churchyard, and then walked up
the road at the back of the house, near which another and smaller
building had been reared. Still listening intently, I came to the tree
which I had climbed in the early morning, then I went to the place near
w