the dense brushwood which skirted the road. Coming round a curve,
Nigel and Aylward were aware of a tall and graceful woman who sat,
wringing her hands and weeping bitterly, upon the bank by the side
of the track. At such a sight of beauty in distress Nigel pricked
Pommers with the spur and in three bounds was at the side of the
unhappy lady.

"What ails you, fair dame?" he asked. "Is there any small matter
in which I may stand your friend, or is it possible that anyone
hath so hard a heart as to do you an injury."

She rose and turned upon him a face full of hope and entreaty.
"Oh, save my poor, poor father!" she cried. "Have you perchance
seen the way-wardens? They passed us, and I fear they are beyond
reach."

"Yes, they have ridden onward, but we may serve as well."

"Then hasten, hasten, I pray you! Even now they may be doing him
to death. They have dragged him into yonder grove and I have
heard his voice growing ever weaker in the distance. Hasten, I
implore you!"

Nigel sprang from his horse and tossed the rein to Aylward.

"Nay, let us go together. How many robbers were there, lady?"

"Two stout fellows."

"Then I come also."