[Illustration:  “ETHEL OBTAINED A PAIR OF SCISSORS.”]

The loss of the horses and drivers was a very embarrassing thing to them, and for a time they were utterly at a loss what course to adopt.  Lady Dalrymple was too weak to walk, and they had no means of conveying her.  The maids had simply lost their wits from fright; and Ethel could not see her way clearly out of the difficulty.  At this juncture they were roused by the approach of the Rev. Saul Tozer.

This reverend man had been bound as he descended from his carriage, and had remained bound ever since.  In that state he had been a spectator of the struggle and its consequences, and he now came forward to offer his services.

“I don’t know whether you remember me, ma’am,” said he to Lady Dalrymple, “but I looked in at your place at Rome; and in any case I am bound to offer you my assistance, since you are companions with me in my bonds, which I’d be much obliged if one of you ladies would untie or cut.  Perhaps it would be best to untie it, as rope’s valuable.”

At this request Ethel obtained a pair of scissors from one of the maids, and after vigorous efforts succeeded in freeing the reverend gentleman.

“Really, Sir, I am very much obliged for this kind offer,” said Lady Dalrymple, “and I avail myself of it gratefully.  Can you advise us what is best to do?”

“Well, ma’am, I’ve been turning it over in my mind, and have made it a subject of prayer; and it seems to me that it wouldn’t be bad to go out and see the country.”

“There are no houses for miles,” said Ethel.

“Have you ever been this road before?” said Tozer.

“No.”

“Then how do you know?”

“Oh, I was thinking of the part we had passed over.”

“True; but the country in front may be different.  Didn’t that brigand captain say something about getting help ahead?”

“Yes, so he did; I remember now,” said Ethel.

“Well, I wouldn’t take his advice generally, but in this matter I don’t see any harm in following it; so I move that I be a committee of one to go ahead and investigate the country and bring help.”

“Oh, thanks, thanks, very much.  Really, Sir, this is very kind,” said Lady Dalrymple.

“And I’ll go too,” said Ethel, as a sudden thought occurred to her.  “Would you be afraid, aunty dear, to stay here alone?”

“Certainly not, dear.  I have no more fear for myself, but I’m afraid to trust you out of my sight.”

“Oh, you need not fear for me,” said Ethel.  “I shall certainly be as safe farther on as I am here.  Besides, if we can find help I will know best what is wanted.”

“Well, dear, I suppose you may go.”

Without further delay Ethel started off, and Tozer walked by her side.  They went under the fallen tree, and then walked quickly along the road.

“Do you speak Italian, miss?” asked Tozer.