The energy with which she spoke left no doubt that she would execute her threat, and the baffled captain set her free.
At this moment assistance came. Erick could be seen hurrying towards them from the further side of the churchyard.
As soon as Helen perceived him she flung the dirk at Captain Lindsay's feet, and flew to meet her lover.
"What's the matter, lass?" cried the sergeant. "Has the villain insulted you? If he has, he shall pay for it wi' his life."
"Na! na!" cried Helen, stopping him. "Ye shall na gae near him. There'll be mischief. You should ha' come sooner, Erick, and then this wadna ha' happened."
"I could na come afore, lassie," replied the sergeant. "I now see the trick that has been played me by this cunning villain; but he shall rue it."
"Ye shall na stay anither minute in this unchancy kirkyard," cried Helen, forcing him away with her.
Just as they went out at the gate, Helen cast a look back at Captain Lindsay, and saw him still standing, as if stupefied, on the spot where she had left him. He had not even picked up the dirk, for she could distinguish it glittering in the moonlight at his feet.
CHAPTER VII.
A RESIDENCE IS CHOSEN FOR THE PRINCE.
At an early hour on the following morning, a carriage drawn by four strong horses, and attended by a mounted guard, entered the town.