"Oh, no," she answered; "I am no coward; and you would see, if they did come near, I should not lose my wits."
Almost as she spoke, a voice exclaimed, in a one not very loud--
"Who goes there?" and Iola started, and laid her hand on the bishop's arm, as if to keep him back.
"It is Boyd the woodman's voice, I think," she said in a whisper. "Slip in behind that great tree, and I will go on and see."
"Who goes there?" repeated the voice again raised higher; and Iola, taking a step or two forward, demanded--
"Who is it that asks?"
"Is that you, Lady Iola?" said the voice, as soon as the woman's tone was distinguished.
"Yes," answered Iola. "Is it Boyd who speaks?"
"The same," answered the woodman. "Have you brought him? Where is he? Is he safe?"
"He is here, he is here," answered Iola. "Father, this is Boyd the woodman, in whom you can fully trust."