“‘Because her beauty has enslaved his elder brother, whom he does not desire to marry, for if his brother dies without issue Lord Rochfort succeeds to his vast estates.’
“‘But have you told him that you can or will do this?’
“‘No,’ she replied, ‘not positively; she may be escorted by a powerful party of well-mounted, well-armed men.’
“‘No matter,’ said I, ‘if she is rich in jewels and diamonds, as you say, leave the matter in our hands, and I warrant we will not only secure the girl, but create no noise or bother about it.’
“‘But how?’
“‘Leave that matter to me,’ I replied.
“For some time she would not consent; but when I had pledged the honour of the crew that no harm should befall the wench she consented, and departed, after telling me the exact time at which the intended bride was expected to pass by that particular part of the road.
“As soon as Hannah had departed I and my comrades started out to have a look at the road.
“Now, not far from the forest wherein we were concealed, there were cross roads with finger posts.
“I hit upon my plan immediately.”