The voices of two men now joined the conversation, but in so low a tone, that Lamh Laudher could not distinctly hear its purport.

[Illustration:  PAGE 91—­ With stealthy pace he crept over]

The road along which they traveled was craggy, and full of ruts, so that a car could be heard in the silence of night at a considerable distance.  On each side the ditches were dry and shallow; and a small elder hedge, which extended its branches towards the road, afforded Lamh Laudher the obscurity which he wanted.  With stealthy pace he crept over and sat beneath it, determined to witness whatever incident might occur, and to take a part in it, if necessary.  He had scarcely seated himself when the car which they expected was heard jolting about half a mile off along the way, and the next moment a consultation took place in tones so low and guarded, that every attempt on his part to catch its purport was unsuccessful.  This continued with much earnestness, if not warmth, until the car came within twenty perches of the gate, when Nell exclaimed—­

“If you do, you may—­but remimber I didn’t egg you on, or put it into your hearts, at all evints.  Maybe I have a child myself livin’—­far from me—­an’ when I think of him, I feel one touch of nature at my heart in favor of her still.  I’m black enough there, as it is.”

“Make your mind asy,” said one of them, “you won’t have to answer for her.”

The reply which was given to this could not be heard.

“Well,” rejoined,Nell, “I know that.  Her comin’ here may not be for my good; but—­well, take this shawl, an’ let the work be quick.  The carman must be sent back with sore bones to keep him quiet.”

The car immediately reached the spot where they sat, and as it passed, the two men rushed from the gate, stopped the horse, and struck the carman to the earth.  One of them seized him while down, and pressed his throat, so as to prevent him from shouting.  A single faint shriek escaped the female, who was instantly dragged off the car and gagged by the other fellow and Nanse M’Collum.

Lamh Laudher saw there was not a moment to be lost.  With the speed of lightning he sprung forward, and with a single blow laid him who struggled with the carman prostrate.  To pass then to the aid of the female was only the work of an instant.  With equal success he struck down the villain with whom she was struggling.  Such was the rapidity of his motions, that he had not yet had time even to speak; nor indeed did he wish at all to be recognized in the transaction.  The carman, finding himself freed from his opponent, bounced to his legs, and came to the assistance of his charge, whilst Lamh Laudher, who had just flung Nanse M’Collum into the ditch, returned in time to defend both from a second attack.  The contest, however, was a short one.  The two ruffians, finding that there was no chance of succeeding, fled across the fields; and our humble hero, on looking for Nanse and her aunt, discovered that they also had disappeared.  It is unnecessary to detail the strong terms in which the strangers expressed their gratitude to Lamh Laudher.