son, hurrying after. The
last of the two crossed to the opposite side of the way and walked
well in the shadow cast by the gables of the houses. The girl cast a
glance over her shoulder as if feeling the presence of one in pursuit,
but evidently finding herself quite alone, slackened her pace to take
breath. Now, the one nearest her made a strange move, if so be he were
bent upon an honest mission; for as soon as the woman reduced her gait
to a walk, the man loosened the long cloak hanging about his
shoulders, and seizing it in both hands, moved swiftly and noiselessly
in her direction. Aye, loose thy sword in its sheath, thou, standing
in the shadow; for if there be in thee muscle for a fight, soon will
the clash of steel ring out upon the frosty air.

The man was now up with the girl, who, on hearing footsteps, turned
and uttered a scream. Once only does she raise the cry, for before she
can a second time call out, the cloak is thrown over her head, a rough
hand is at her throat, and she feels the pressure of a rope as it is
deftly whipped about her. There was a momentary struggle; but it soon
ceased, for the woman fainted, and was at the mercy of him who had
trapped her. Is thy sword caught and useless? thy arm paralyzed? or
what causes thee to stand unnerved and trembling? Was it the scream
that rang out upon the midnight air? Had it the sound of a voice dear
to thee even now?

The man lifted the light figure of the girl within his arms and
hurried away. Aye, Effingston, heaven-sent was the sorrow which drove
thee forth to seek solace from the night and stars; but, come, now is
thy time!

Fear not for him--he has recovered himself--and, snatching his rapier
from its sheath, with one or two quick bounds is up with the man,
crying: "By the God above thee, release the woman ere I crush thy
head, thou adder!"

The one thus addressed turned, and seeing the determined face at his
elbow, paused, but retained his grasp upon the girl.

"Release her!" exclaimed Effingston, raising his sword, "ere I spit
thee." The man allowed his burden to slip to the ground, the cloak
fell from about her figure, and Elinor lay at the feet of him she
loved.

"Thou art quick with thy command, Master," replied the other, coolly
drawing his rapier. "Methinks thou hadst better attend to love affairs
of thine own, rather than meddle in that with which thou hast no
concern. Put up thy blade, I say, and go about thy business, ere I
teach th