"May be, my lord, 'tis even so," added the seaman; "best let me go."
"Nay, man, nay; hold the torch while I step across."
So saying, the knight handed the light to his attendant, and, drawing his sword, stept warily over the plank.
The other two remained in breathless silence.
"Hold the torch higher," called the knight.
Again there was deathly silence.
"Father! father! what is it?" called the girl.
"I know not; I can see naught--ay, but I can! Why, my fair master, what mayest thou be doing here?" added the knight, addressing some one.
Then he called out in a relieved tone,--
"Come here, Simon; 'tis Master Bowerman, and he hath swooned away."