He evidently only awaited an opportunity to assist her.
Satisfied of this, she became more tranquil, and about an hour having
elapsed, during which nothing was said by the party, the low winding of
a horn was heard, and Fenwolf started to his feet, exclaiming--
"It is Herne!"
The next moment the demon huntsman rode from one of the lateral
passages into the cave. He was mounted on a wild-looking black
horse, with flowing mane and tail, eyes glowing like carbuncles, and in
all respects resembling the sable steed he had lost in the forest.
Springing to the ground, he exchanged a few words with Fenwolf in a
low tone, and delivering his steed to him, with orders to take it to the
stable, signed to Tristram to go with him, and approached Mabel.
"So you have seen Sir Thomas Wyat, I find," he said, in a stern tone.
Mabel made no answer, and did not even raise her eyes towards him.
"And he has told you he loves you, and has urged you to fly with him--
ha? "pursued Herne.
Mabel still did not dare to look up, but a deep blush overspread her
cheek.
"He was mad to venture hither," continued Herne; "but having done so,
he must take the consequences."
"You will not destroy him? "cried Mabel imploringly.
Pages:
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458