I can prepare for the journey, can I not?' once more
asked Christine, and kissing his hand as he nodded assent, she flew to
make her preparations.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

The wagons of the prisoners, together with Arwed's carriage containing
Christine and her child, were approaching the end of their journey. On
one side of them the smelting furnace of Oesterby was rolling its
clouds of smoke high into the winter sky; before them towered the bald,
dark-gray iron mountains of Danemora-Gruben, and already the few
buildings which animate this desolate and uncomfortable region had
become visible. A dragoon, who had been sent forward to announce their
approach to the superintendent of the mines, now returned and led them
to the nearest shaft, where a number of the miners had already
assembled to receive the new comers and expedite them to their destined
location under ground.

While the young miners were taking their stations at the windlass, and
others were removing the robbers from the wagons, Christine drew Arwed
aside.

'Arwed,' said the broken-hearted woman, 'you have always conducted
yourself towards me in the noblest manner. Give me one more proof of
your generosity and kindness, and thus crown your work. Allow me to
descend into the mine with Mac Donalbain. My anxiety for him will be
less painful when I am made acquainted with his new residence.'

'What an insensate request!' cried Mac Donalbain, who had overheard it,
'It will be much better that we take our last farewell here above
ground.'

'Because I have once yielded to your importunities,' replied Arwed,
'you hold me for a weak simpleton, and think you can move and turn me
at your pleasure. I have fulfilled your last request, and now I must
obey your father's commands. Take your last leave of Mac Donalbain, and
then return with me according to your solemn promise.'

'Hold me not so closely to my word,' entreated Christine. 'What would I
not have promised for the happiness of beholding my husband some days
longer! Let me descend with him.'

'You must now take your leave,' said Arwed sternly, 'and then
immediately return with me to Gyllensten. My resolution is
unchangeable.'

Christine looked wildly about her. The robbers were all in the tub
ready to descend, and waited only for Mac Donalbain, who now embraced
his wife with frantic sorrow. 'Farewell, and forgive me!' he cried, and
hurried to the shaft.

'If thou hast ever