or myself I did not care, but my great
strength could not protect my darling against firearms, besides if I
were smitten down what would become of her?

"You are not harmed, my little maid?" I said.

"No, Jasper."

"And you are not afraid?"

"Not now, Jasper."

Then I held her more tightly, and vowed that I would crush the man who
sought to take her away from me, as I have often crushed an egg in the
palm of my hand by bringing my fingers together.

I heard footsteps behind me, and then I realised that I should soon be
between two fires, for I was running in the direction of Mawgan Church.
The footsteps came closer to me, while angry voices with many oaths bade
me stop, but the black clouds which covered the sky kept them from
taking anything like accurate aim. Besides, the lane was darker than the
open countryside, owing to the high hedges which had been built on
either side. Still my position was dangerous, and I was about to leap
over a gate which I saw close beside me, when I heard the sound of
horses' hoofs, and evidently they were coming from another direction.

"Can it be Eli?" I thought. But I dared not shout, as by so doing I
should assist my pursuers. There were four of them I knew, possibly
there might have been more.

I was in sore straits, for by this time my strength was becoming spent;
and although I could not bear the thought of dropping my precious
burden, her weight was a sore strain upon my already overtaxed muscles.
Still I never lost heart, and I know that had I stood face to face with
the men who sought me, God would be with me in my battle.

My heart gave a joyful leap, for I heard Eli's whistle. It was a weird,
unearthly sound, and was suggestive of spirits of darkness rather than
of a human being. I ran in the direction of the sound, however.

"Eli, quick!" I gasped; then I heard the welcome click of horses' feet
again.

"Maaster Jasper, got purty maid?" he grunted.

"Yes; her horse, Eli, her horse."

"'Tes a fiery wawn. Be careful now!"

"I can ride any horse," said Naomi, eagerly; "don't fear for me now."

We were now under the trees close to Mawgan Church. It was so dark that
I could scarcely see my hand, and the rain began to fall heavily.

I heard the voices of the men near me again. "Which way are they gone?"
one said, for there was a branch road near us.

"Down to the left, past the kiddleywink," came an answering cry.

"No, up the hill, toward Mawgan Cross," said so