ng arms. A supernatural strength, inspired by a
kind of superstition that no harm could chance to him while she was
by, animated her slight form; and fierce though the soldiers were, they
shrunk from actual and brutal violence to one thus young and fair. Those
small hands clung so firmly, that it seemed that nothing but the edge of
the sword could sever the child's clasp from the father's neck.

"Harm him not, harm him at your peril, friar!" she cried, with flashing
eyes. "Tear him from me, and if King Edward win the day, Lord Hastings
shall have thy life; if Lord Warwick, thy days are numbered, too.
Beware, and avaunt!"

The friar was startled. He had forgotten Lord Hastings in the zest of
his revenge. He feared that, if Sibyll were left behind, the tale she
might tell would indeed bring on him a powerful foe in the daughter's
lover; on the other hand, should Lord Warwick get the better, what
vengeance would await her appeal to the great protector of her father!
He resolved, therefore, on the instant, to take Sibyll as well as her
father; and if the fortune of the day allowed him to rid himself of
Warner, a good occasion might equally occur to dispose forever of the
testimony of Sibyll. He had already formed a cunning calculation
in desiring Warner's company; for while, should Edward triumph, the
sacrifice of the hated Warner was resolved upon, yet, should the earl
get the better, he could make a merit to Warner that he (the friar) had
not only spared, but saved, his life, in making him his companion. It
was in harmony with this double policy that the friar mildly answered to
Sibyll,--

"Tusk, my daughter! Perhaps if your father be true to King Edward, and
aid my skill instead of obstructing it, he may be none the worse for the
journey he must take; and if thou likest to go with him, there's room in
the vehicle, and the more the merrier. Harm them not, soldiers; no doubt
they will follow quietly."

As he said this, the men, after first crossing themselves, had already
hoisted up the Eureka; and when Adam saw it borne from the room, he
instinctively followed the bearers. Sibyll, relieved by the thought
that, for weal or for woe, she should, at least, share her father's
fate, and scarce foreboding much positive danger from the party which
contained Hastings and Alwyn, attempted no further remonstrance.

The Eureka was placed in the enormous vehicle,--it served as a barrier
between the friar and his prisoners.

The