“Be careful lest you run your head into the lion’s jaws, and lest your mother be compelled, instead of rejoicing to see a daughter saved, to mourn that daughter lost, and a son sacrificed. But listen! look to your safety, for I hear the tread of horsemen. Look to your safety, if you would preserve your liberty.”
Fortunately, the negro man was of quick wit. He perceived that his presence would be unnecessary, but noticing that the bridle of John’s horse was carelessly thrown over a post which was on the road, and in full view of all passers-by, he—very considerately for the young man—led the horse behind the house. When he returned to shake hands with John—for this was the first time he had been at home since he joined the brigade—and learned the momentous things on which his master and mistress were talking, he stood stupefied. The noise on the road recalled his wandering senses, and he told what disposition he had made of his horse. John, contrary to commands of his mother, refused to seek safety in flight, and preferred entering the house.
Captain Reginald Preston, escorted by four dragoons, soon came in view.
At first sight, the captain seemed about to pass by; but, as if by a second thought, he reined in his steed, dismounted and walked towards Mrs. Vale with a cheerful smile on his face.
“Ah! my dear Mrs. Vale,” said he, “I thought I would stop for a moment to inquire after your health, and that of your charming daughter.”
The widow’s face grew frightfully pale as she responded: “My health is but poor, and as for Catherine, she is gone, sir!”
“Then it is done!” said Preston, speaking to himself; but, in so unguarded a manner that one with a quick ear and eye could make out the words.
“What is this you tell me?” continued he. “Gone! What mean you by that word? Has she died, eloped, or was she—abducted?”
“She was stolen away, sir,” said the mother, speaking very sternly. “Stolen away, but by whom I much wish to know. Can you tell me who it might be?”
Reginald turned pale when this question was so directly put to him, but he quickly responded in a light, heartless tone: “Indeed, madam, I cannot. Were I but acquainted with such a secret it would indeed kill me to keep it from you.”