For a few minutes Mabel continued in a state of stupefaction. She then
staggered to the door, and beheld her grandfather occupied with two
dark figures, whom she recognised as Valentine Hagthorne and Morgan
Fenwolf, in extinguishing the flames, which were bursting from the
thatched roof of the hut. Surprise and terror held her silent, and the
others were so busily engaged that they did not notice her.
At last, by their united efforts, the fire was got under without material
damage to the little building, and Mabel retired, expecting her grandsire
to return; but as he did not do so, and as almost instantly afterwards
the plash of oars was heard en the lake, she flew to the window, and
beheld him, by the gleam of the lightning, seated in the skiff with
Morgan Fenwolf, while Valentine Hagthorne had mounted a black horse,
and was galloping swiftly away. Mabel saw no more. Overcome by
fright, she sank on the ground insensible. When she recovered the
storm had entirely ceased. A heavy shower had fallen, but the sky was
now perfectly clear, and day had begun to dawn. Mabel went to the
door of the hut, and looked forth for her grandfather, but he was
nowhere to be seen.
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