“Help, fair lady!” cried the wounded stranger, when he had come within a short distance. “I can go no further!”
She quickly sprang to his side and kindly lent her aid to his falling strength.
With her assistance he reached the doorway, where he sank upon the threshold pale and faint.
“Let me get you a glass of wine,” she said, disappearing into the house.
Gone but a minute, she placed the cordial to his lips, when he drank a strong draught.
Revived by its potent power he started up to look wildly around.
“Do you see them?” he asked, huskily.
“Who?” she questioned in surprise.
“A body of horsemen. I had a narrow escape from them. My horse was shot and after running until nearly exhausted I saw your house. I had barely strength to get here. I trust you will befriend me,” and his dark eyes were turned toward her in pleading more eloquent than words.
Her eyes fell before his gaze.