"Fear not, ladies," exclaimed the highwayman. "I am the friend to whom Mr. Villiers alluded in his note."
"Save us, then, sir—save us," said Adelais, in an urgent and imploring tone; "for Mr. Curtis saw us leave the house: he was in the garden——"
At that moment the sounds of voices were heard in the direction of the cottage; and they were evidently approaching.
"Hasten up the lane, young ladies—hasten, for God's sake!" said Tom Rain. "Mr. Villiers is there with the post-chaise—and I will remain here to bar the way."
Adelais and Rosamond could not even give utterance to the thanks which their hearts longed to express: terror froze the words that started to their lips; and, not daring to glance behind them, they hurried up the lane.
Tom Rainford now mounted his horse, and took his station in the middle of the way; for several persons were rapidly approaching from the house.
In a few moments they were near enough to enable Rainford to catch what they said.
"The disobedient—self-willed girls!" exclaimed one, whom Tom was right in supposing to be Mr. Torrens.
"But wasn't it fortunate that I twigged them?" said Curtis. "Egad!——"
"It will be much more fortunate if we overtake them," observed the lawyer.