"Your name?" demanded the trooper, still presenting the pistol.
"Butler," was the reply.
"Thanks—thanks, good Major, for that word! You have been before me. I thought you would not miss this rain. Is all well?"
"Better, much better, than we could have hoped," answered Butler. "Seeing the sentinel was off his guard, I took time by the forelock, and have saved you trouble."
"For God's sake, Major, let us not delay here. Our horses are waiting for us above."
"I am ready," said Butler, having now put on his shoes. "My brave fellow, I owe you more than I can find words to utter: lead the way."
The liberated captive and his gallant comrade instantly hastened towards the horses, and mounting with a joyful alacrity, soon set forward at a gallop in the direction leading to David Ramsay's cottage. Here they arrived just as the day began to dawn.