“How?”
“Ellen Harmer explained it all to me. Captain Jack and his men entered Colonel Blood’s house, and while there discovered the king, who was bent, during the colonel’s absence, to forcibly abduct her. The king was recognised by Captain Jack, and to regain his freedom without discovery by any one of the colonel’s household he gave the ring to Captain Jack; in the hurry, I suppose, he lost it.”
“It was a lucky discovery for you,” said Garnet.
“Yes; and I intend to make the best possible use of it, as you will see,” said Ned, “and this very night also.”
By this time, and while they thus conversed in whispers, the carriage drove up to Sir Richard Warbeck’s residence.
The door was soon opened, and, to the old knight’s great surprise, Ned explained to him all that had happened.
“What, in another scrape?” said Sir Richard, “and bring a lady home with you?”
“Yes, uncle,” said Ned, laughing; “one who is beautiful, and deserving of the temporary protection she asks of you.”
“Whether beautiful or not an injured female is always welcome to the shelter and protection of my roof, Ned.”
With the greatest gallantry the old knight opened the carriage door, and assisted Ellen Harmer up the stone steps into his princely, hospitable mansion.