Across the meadows, beyond the river, could be seen the lantern-tower of old Fotheringhay church, with the mound behind where once stood the castle where ill-fated Mary met her doom.

And as the Baron’s secretary watched, he saw that the foreigner’s attitude was gradually changing from persuasive to threatening.  He was speaking quickly, probably in French, making wild gestures with his hands, while she had drawn back with an expression of alarm.  She was now, it seemed, frightened at the man, and to Edgar Hamilton this increased the interest tenfold.

Through his mind there flashed the recollection of a previous occasion when he had seen the man now before him.  He was in different garb, and acting a very different part.  But his face was still the same—­a countenance which it was impossible to forget.  He was watching the changing expression upon the girl’s face.  Would that he could read the secret hidden behind those wonderful eyes!  He had, quite unexpectedly, discovered a mysterious circumstance.  Why should Krail meet her by accident at that lonely spot?

The pair moved very slowly together along the path which, having left the way to Southwick, ran along the very edge of the broad, winding river towards Fotheringhay.  Until they had crossed the wide pasture-land and followed the bend of the stream Hamilton dare not emerge from his place of concealment.  They might glance back and discover him.  If so, then to watch Krail’s movements further would be futile.

He saw that, by the exercise of caution, he might perhaps learn something of deeper interest than he imagined.  So he watched until they disappeared, and then sped along the path they had taken until he came to a clump of bushes which afforded further cover.  From where he stood, however, he could see nothing.  He could hear voices—­a man’s voice raised in distinct threats, and a woman’s quick, defiant response.

He walked round the bushes quickly, trying to get sight of the pair, but the river bent sharply at that point in such a manner that he could not get a glimpse of them.

Again he heard Krail speaking rapidly in French, and still again the girl’s response.  Then, next instant, there was a shrill scream and a loud splash.

Next moment, he had darted from his hiding-place to find the girl struggling in the water, while at the same time he caught sight of Krail disappearing quickly around the path.  Had he glanced back he could not have seen the girl in the stream.

At that point the bank was steep, and the stillness of the river and absence of rushes told that it was deep.

The girl was throwing up her hand, shrieking for help; therefore, without a second’s hesitation, Hamilton, who was a good swimmer, threw off his coat, and, diving in, was soon at her side.

By this time Krail had hurried on, and could obtain no glimpse of what was in progress owing to the sharp bend of the river.