Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/275

Rh truth. Be of good cheer. Is the Count's messenger awaiting our answer?—or has he gone back?"

"The fellow, who came under a flag of truce, rode away as soon as the message was delivered," Edgar answered. "I hope, Brother Roger, that you are right, but I fear I did wrong in letting her go, and so I dread"

"Wait, wait!" cried Lady Mortimer, rising as she spoke, and going to the battlements. "See, I believe they are bringing the prisoner even now. Look—she is coming near—oh, would I had the sharp eye of a hawk, that I might see whether it be indeed our dear Amabel!"

"If your ladyship will but wait my return, you shall see further than either hawk or eagle," said the Friar, rising as if he were twenty years younger than his white beard proved him. Across the rampart, into the keep, to his own room, and back again the Friar hurried, while the party upon the walls remained watching the approaching group—which was seen, as it came nearer, to consist of four horsemen riding slowly, while a figure on foot walked between. As they halted, this figure was seen to raise its arms as if appealing for aid to the castle.

And Lady Mortimer, seeing the gesture, sobbed with grief, exclaiming, "Edgar, let them take the