“You see now what a lot of time would have been saved if you had been frank like Bob, and not tried to deceive me like Mr. Anstruther. I can say good-bye, just as formally as you please, now I know why you are going.”

I took her hand and pressed it. “You’ll stay here and let this thing go through all right?”

“Yes. Father Ambrose wishes it. Good-bye, Mr. Anstruther, and good-bye—Bob.”

“Good-bye—Peggy. I may say that for the last time.”

“Yes, for the last time, of course. I am Volna, after to-day.” She looked into my eyes with an odd inscrutable expression in hers and smiled. “You’ll be all right, or else I shouldn’t agree. But I know you, and I am sure.”

Then I hurried out of the room followed by the priest.

CHAPTER XIV
THE ARREST

AS it was desirable for the success of our plan that I should not be seen when I fetched my horse, the priest pointed out a way across the fields; and then gave me one of the greatest surprises of that time.

“Considering what you are doing I must trust you with a dangerous secret. You will give me your honour never to reveal it?”

I gave him the pledge readily.