CHAPTER IX.
ON YARBOROUGH TOWER.
No sooner had Victor Carrington got completely clear of the wood, than he drove his horse at a gallop.
The light gig swayed from side to side, and jolted violently several times on crossing some obstruction in the way.
"You are not afraid?" asked Victor.
"I am only afraid of delay," answered Honoria, calmly; for by this time she had recovered much of her ordinary firmness, and was prepared to face her sorrow with at least outward tranquillity. "Tell me, Mr. Carrington, have you reason to think that my husband is in great danger?"
"I can tell you nothing for certain. You know how stupid the country people are. The boy who brought the message told me that the gentleman had been thrown from his horse, and was very much hurt. He was insensible, and was injured about the head. I gathered from this, and from the boy's manner, rather than his words, that the injuries were very serious."
"Why was Sir Oswald taken to such a wretched place as a ruined tower?"
"Because the accident happened near the ruin; and your husband was found by the people who have charge of the tower."
"And could they take him to no better place?"