Shortly before seven, the farmer (provided with a brace of loaded pistols) and Ellen repaired to the same hiding-place which they had occupied on the preceding evening; and, with a beating heart, Katherine hastened to the spot where she expected to encounter one who had promised to reveal secrets so nearly concerning her.
The old woman did not, however, make her appearance.
The minutes passed slowly away—and still she came not.
Katherine's anxiety was intense.
Half an hour had elapsed: still there was no sign of the hag.
The young maiden waited until past eight o'clock; and at length she suddenly perceived two persons advancing towards her at a little distance.
For a moment she felt afraid; but the farmer's voice speedily reassured her.
Ellen and he were alarmed at Katherine's prolonged absence, and had come to seek her.
Finding that the old woman had not made her appearance, they began to view the entire affair with some suspicion; and Kate was compelled to return with them to the farm—a prey to the most cruel disappointment.
"If the old woman was prevented, by any unforeseen circumstance, from meeting you," said the farmer, "she will communicate with you early to-morrow. Perhaps we may be favoured with another visit from her emissary, Mr. Banks; but should he come, I shall take good care that he treats us to a sight of no more model-coffins."