Bob Bertram was the driver, and outside waiting for Ned Warbeck stood Lieutenant Garnet.
“Bravo, Ned!” said Garnet. “You have got the girl safe?”
“Yes,” said Ned; “but, as I expected, not without opposition and a sharp fight. I met Colonel Blood, and we crossed swords. He fell in less than a minute. I pushed my way up the back staircase, and rescued the maiden right under the nose, and in open defiance of the king.”
“I fear you will suffer for all this, Ned.”
“No matter. I care not for king or any one when virtue and honor are at stake. Drive on, Bob, with all your might.”
Bob Bertram did not want bidding twice.
He lashed up his four horses, and away went Ellen Harmer towards Darlington at full speed, whither Sir Edward Warbeck and her father had gone before her.
When she arrived there, Ellen was thoroughly exhausted with the length of the journey, and retired to rest immediately; and in her slumbers did not dream of the cruel fate which awaited her.
In the morning she was much better, and was visited by her foster sister, whom she loved more dearly perhaps than any one on earth.
This foster sister told her all that had transpired in the house since the fatal night of her abduction.