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Rh the young priest, was reluctant to see him murdered before his eyes, and who had reason of old to know the ferocious temper of his companion. "Leave it to me; I know how to manage these têtes-montés. Release your prisoner!"

Charles Aubyn was left at perfect freedom; but he stood firm, and gave the young chief a look as collected, if less haughty, than his own.

"Mr. Aubyn," said Evelyn, "for I believe it is that gentleman whom I have the honour of addressing, and whose acquaintance I had hoped to make under different circumstances, I esteem the motives of your interference; but, however opposed our sense of duty, it is as strong as your own. That duty, sir, leads us to peril life and liberty in the service of that earthly sovereign whom we hold to be the representative of our heavenly one. You cannot hope that a few words will change the settled purpose of years. You can do us no good—you may do us harm; but Mr. Aubyn's known character is our guarantee against treachery. You are at perfect liberty; to your honour alone we trust that you will not betray those to whom you owe your life. Good night, sir. And, once more, forward, cavaliers!"

Again came the hurried trampling of the steeds, the crash of the branches, the sound of the receding