The voices of two men now joined the conversation, but in so low a tone,
that Lamh Laudher could not distinctly hear its purport.

[Illustration: PAGE 91-- With stealthy pace he crept over]

The road along which they traveled was craggy, and full of ruts, so that
a car could be heard in the silence of night at a considerable distance.
On each side the ditches were dry and shallow; and a small elder hedge,
which extended its branches towards the road, afforded Lamh Laudher
the obscurity which he wanted. With stealthy pace he crept over and sat
beneath it, determined to witness whatever incident might occur, and to
take a part in it, if necessary. He had scarcely seated himself when the
car which they expected was heard jolting about half a mile off along
the way, and the next moment a consultation took place in tones so low
and guarded, that every attempt on his part to catch its purport was
unsuccessful. This continued with much earnestness, if not warmth, until
the car came within twenty perches of the gate, when Nell exclaimed--

"If you do, you may--but remimber I didn't egg you on, or put it into
your hearts, at all evints. Maybe I have a child myself livin'--far from
me--an' when I think of him, I feel one touch of nature at my heart in
favor of her still. I'm black enough there, as it is."

"Make your mind asy," said one of them, "you won't have to answer for
her."

The reply which was given to this could not be heard.

"Well," rejoined,Nell, "I know that. Her comin' here may not be for my