Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/24

 He little expected to succeed so soon, as the whole scheme depended on seeing the Ladies alone, and no boats on the river to observe him, which might possibly be some time before such an opportunity happened; but, contrary to his expectations, the very next evening they appeared on the banks alone, and walked a considerable way; it grew late, the air was rather cool, and the boats drew off sooner than was customary.

He lost no time, but made towards the shore and landed; the Ladies seemed frightened, and ran back; they pursued them; one had considerably the start of the other; the one behind fell; she was secured; in that moment, when they could soon have overtaken the other, a boat appeared at a distance coming down the river; they were compelled to retreat with only half of their expected prize.

She was carried to the boat, and soon conveyed to the carriage, after which, by cross roads, they arrived at the Count's hun-