“You think of everything.”
“Ah! it is easy to show presence of mind in other people’s confusion! Almost as easy at it is to bear other people’s troubles!” said the Captain, attempting a jest, only to raise his friend’s drooping spirits. “But now to the point, for we must be quick. You know the ‘Haunted Chapel?’”
“The old ruined church in the cleft on the other side of the Black Mountain?”
“Yes; that is the place. Its deep solitude and total abandonment, with its ghostly reputation, will be sure to secure your safety. Go there; conceal yourselves and your horses as well as you can. In the course of to-morrow, or to-morrow night, I will come to you with such news and such help as I may be able to bring.”
“Thank you. Oh, thank you. But what are words? You are a man of deeds. Your presence of mind has saved us both!” said Lyon Berners earnestly.
“And now to horse,” said Captain Pendleton, taking Mrs. Berners under his guidance, while Mr. Berners brought on the valise and travelling bag.
Captain Pendleton placed Sybil in her saddle, whispering encouragingly,
“Be strong and hopeful. This necessary flight is a temporary evil, intended to save you from a permanent, and even perhaps a fatal wrong. Be patient, and time shall vindicate you and bring you back.”
“But oh! to leave my home, and the home of my fathers! to leave it like a criminal, when I am innocent! to leave it in haste, and not to know if I may ever return,” cried Sybil, in a voice of anguish.
“It is a fearful trial. I will not mock you by denying that it is. Yes, it is a terrible ordeal! but one, Mrs. Berners, that you have heroism enough to bear,” replied Captain Pendleton, as he bowed over her extended hand and gave her the reins.