spoken of the ‘Trevlyn spawn,’ and what he would do if one of that ‘brood’ dared to come betwixt him and his design.  And then he leaned against a tree and waited, listening with an intentness that showed a deep suspicion; and he must have heard sounds that I could not—­for my heart beat so wildly I feared he would hear it where he stood—­and he smote his hands softly together and laughed a low laugh like that of a demon.”

“I have heard that laugh; I know it well,” whispered Cuthbert.  “It is indeed what thou callest it.  Doubtless he heard my cautious descent from the tree.  What did he then?”

“I heard his next words plainly, and they sent a thrill of cold horror through me, for too well I divined their import.

“‘He is there!’ he hissed between his teeth—­’he is there!  I shall catch him red handed in the act.  Good!  He shall not leave the dell alive; he shall join the seven who strove before to know too much.  Long Robin’s hand has not lost its cunning, and it will strike the more heartily when aimed against one of the false, hateful brood.’

“And then, Cuthbert, I saw it all in a moment.  I knew that thou wert in the glen, and that he was going forward to kill thee.  And for a moment my head swam, and I well-nigh swooned with terror, and could not even lift my voice to shout to thee and warn thee to fly for thy life.”

“It was well thou didst not,” answered Cuthbert; “for I should scarce have heard or understood, and he would but have turned his destroying hand against thee ere he went forward to slay me.  Thou didst do better than cry aloud, my sister.”

She shivered slightly and pressed close up to him.

“When the mist passed from my eyes and I could see, Long Robin was no more there, and in awful fear what might even then be happening, I stole down as fast as my trembling limbs would carry me towards the centre of the dell.  Ere I could see aught I heard thy voice raised in a sharp cry, Cuthbert, and then I heard fierce, cruel words spoken, mingled with that laugh that makes the blood run chill in the veins.  I crept as fast as I could through the tangled underwood, and then I saw before me a terrible sight.  Yon man was binding thee hand and foot with bonds that thou couldst not break, and I knew that he would kill thee without mercy, even as he had threatened.  It was then that I remembered for the first time the weapon I carried at my side, and as I took it in my hands I felt a strange coldness come upon me.  I trembled no longer.  I felt calm and resolute and fearless.  I crept cautiously out of the brushwood, though I kept still in the shadow of the trees, and I drew nearer and nearer, expecting every instant to be seen.  I dared not fire till I was very close.  It was long since I had discharged such a weapon, and I knew well that thy life and mine both hung upon that one charge.  Robin rose suddenly to his feet after binding thee, and I thought for certain I was seen.  But no; he turned and leaned