ow long they had been thus engaged, when they were suddenly aroused by
hearing a footstep, and looking up they saw a priest standing before
them, while a little way off appeared a party of armed men.

"You have been discovered engaged in an unlawful act, Monsieur Nigel, by
which you have made yourself liable to the just vengeance of the law!"
exclaimed the priest, in a triumphant tone. "You have been suspected
for some time. In the name of the governor, therefore, I order you to
yield yourself prisoner. Take this gentleman into custody," he added,
turning to the armed men, who, as he spoke, sprang eagerly forward.

Nigel was too much astonished for the moment to reply. Constance
uttered a cry of alarm, and clung to his arm.

"You cannot, you must not take him from me!" she exclaimed, in a
terrified tone.

"You are equally guilty, young lady, in listening to him," said the
priest. "In all probability _you_ will share his fate."

"Oh, let me go with him now, then, if you insist on taking him," she
said, still holding Nigel's arm.

"No, no, lady. Don't fancy that you will be allowed to keep him
company," said the priest, in a harsher tone. "For the present you may
remain with your father, till the governor thinks fit to summon you."

"Fly rather to the faithful Indians," whispered Nigel; "do not put
yourself in the traitor's power."

He could say no more, for the armed men seizing him took him off, while
the priest held Constance in his arms. She in vain struggled to free
herself from his loathsome grasp, while she entreated to be set free,
ever and anon uttering shrieks for help; but not till the priest was
sure that the party with Nigel were out of sight did he allow her to
escape, when seeing her father, who had been attracted by her cries,
coming from the house, she flew towards him, the priest in the mean time
hurrying after his companions. It was fortunate for him that he got
away, for the count, with a thick stick in his hand, forgetting the
danger of doing so, would have made him feel the effects of his just
anger.

"Oh, save him, save him! They have seized Nigel. What will they do to
him?" cried Constance, as she sank into her father's arms.

The count saw that pursuit was hopeless, for the priest, tucking up his
long dress to enable him to scramble over the fences, had already got to
a considerable distance; besides, it would have been vain to attempt
rescuing Nigel from a party of armed men