"Saved! saved!" repeated Christie, with wild exultation; and then the unnatural strength that had hitherto borne her up gave way, and she sank fainting in the arms of Willard.
"Let us leave this horrible place," said Mr. Brantwell, drawing Sibyl's arm within his own, and leading her away.
"My carriage is near," said a gentleman who stood beside them, "and I beg you to make use of it."
"I shall do so with pleasure. Sir," to the sheriff, "I presume Miss Campbell may now accompany me to the hotel, since she is discovered to be innocent of the crime with which she is charged?"
The sheriff bowed in silence.
"Mr. Drummond, you had better bring this young girl also. You perceive she has fainted," said Mr. Brantwell.
The clergyman, with Sibyl, entered the carriage, followed by Drummond bearing Christie, and then the carriage drove rapidly away toward the hotel.
And the surprised and wondering crowd dispersed, to spread the astonishing news far and wide.
Sibyl, like one in a dream, had allowed herself hitherto to be led passively wherever they willed; but at the entrance of Willard, she started, like one who receives a galvanic shock; her face, a moment before like marble, grew crimson; her wild, black eyes lit fiercely up; and turning to Mr. Brantwell, she haughtily demanded:
"Why is he here? How dare he ever enter my presence again?"