'Yes, but the shriek of a mouse will awaken him.'
'I am prepared for that ruffian. Silent Poll and her mother we must gag.'
Both then ascended into the upper air, and Roland stepped quickly forward to see the intended victim of the libertine outlaw. She was sitting with her head upon her hands, and the tears were still streaming from her eyes.
'All merciful heaven, it is Aster!' and looking up, the poor girl saw her lover. She had only power to rise and throw herself into his arms, when she swooned there.
'Water, quick,' and he stretched her upon a lounge and dashed several handfuls upon her beloved face. She speedily revived, and opening her glorious eyes looked again upon her lover. But she seemed unable to realize it She believed indeed that her reason had forsaken her or that it was all a dream.
'Is it you, Roland,' she exclaimed, taking his hand. 'Where is this, and what are you doing here.'
'This, Aster, my love,' he replied, 'is a robbers' den. This is the head-quarters of the miscreants of Markham Swamp. On the day of the duel I was captured and brought hither, and watch has since been kept upon me. I resolved many timed to leave and endeavour to reach the United States, till the feeling over my crime had subsided.'
'What do you mean?' Aster enquired, laying her hand with its crooked little finger upon his.
'The duel, of course.'
'Why, haven't you heard? Why, he recovered from his wound.'