“You will run no risk, I hope, for your share in this adventure,” Malcolm said.

“It matters little to me,” the old man replied.  “My life is worthless, and I would gladly die in the thought that I have brought retribution on the head of the murderers of my master.  But they will not suspect me.  I shall lock the door behind us, and place the key again in the girdle of the drunken guard, and then return to my own chamber.”

Quietly Malcolm and his conductor made their way through the castle and out into the courtyard.  Then they entered the stables.

“This is the horse,” the steward said, again uncovering his lantern.  “Is he not a splendid animal?  He was my master’s favourite, and sooner than that his murderers should ride him I would cut the throat of the noble beast with my dagger; but he has a better mission in carrying the avenger of his master’s blood.  And now farewell.  The rest is in your own hands.  May Heaven give you good fortune.”  So saying, the old man set down his lantern and left Malcolm alone.

The latter, after examining the saddle and bridle, and seeing that every buckle was firm and in its place, extinguished the light, and waited patiently for morning.  In two hours a faint light began to show itself.  Stronger and stronger it grew until it was broad day.  Still there were but few sounds of life and movement in the castle.  Presently, however, the noise of footsteps and voices was heard in the courtyard.

Although apprehensive that at any moment the stable door might open, Malcolm still delayed his start, as it would be fatal were he to set out before the opening of the gates.  At last he felt sure that they must be opened to admit the country people coming in with supplies for the market.  He had donned his helmet before leaving his cell, and he now quietly opened the stable door, sprang into the saddle, and rode boldly out.

Several soldiers were loitering about the courtyard.  Some were washing at the trough and bathing their heads beneath the fountain to get rid of the fumes of the wine they had indulged in overnight.  Others were cleaning their arms.

The sudden appearance of a mounted officer armed from head to foot caused a general pause in their occupation, although none had any suspicion that the splendidly attired officer was a fugitive; but, believing that he was one of Leslie’s friends who was setting out on some mission, they paid no further heed to him, as quietly and without any sign of haste he rode through the gateway of the castle into the town.  The inhabitants were already in the streets, country women with baskets were vending their produce, and the market was full of people.  Malcolm rode on at a foot pace until he was within sight of the open gate of the town.  When within fifty yards of the gate he suddenly came upon Colonel Leslie, who had thus early been making a tour of the walls to see that the sentries were upon the alert, for Duke Bernhard’s force was within a few miles.  He instantly recognized Malcolm.