Presently, they perceived two figures beneath the trees, whom they
found, on a nearer approach, were Sir Thomas Wyat, with Mabel in a
state of insensibility in his arms.
Dismounting by the side of his friend, Surrey hastily demanded how he
came there, and what had happened?
"It is too long a story to relate now," said Wyat; "but the sum of it is,
that I have escaped, by the aid of this damsel, from the clutches of the
demon. Our escape was effected on horseback, and we had to plunge
into the lake. The immersion deprived my fair preserver of sensibility,
so that as soon as I landed, and gained a covert where I fancied myself
secure, I dismounted, and tried to restore her. While I was thus
occupied, the steed I had brought with me broke his bridle, and darted
off into the woods. After a while, Mabel opened her eyes, but she was
so weak that she could not move, and I was fain to make her a couch in
the fern, in the hope that she would speedily revive. But the fright and
suffering had been too much for her, and a succession of fainting-fits
followed, during which I thought she would expire. This is all. Now, let
us prepare a litter for her, and convey her where proper assistance can
be rendered.
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