"Awake, rouse ye!" said the captain of the band, roughly shaking the
arm which encircled Sibyll's slender waist. Adam started, opened his
eyes, and saw himself begirt by figures in rusty armour, with savage
faces peering under their steel sallets.

"How came you hither? Yon oak drops strange acorns," quoth the chief.

"Valiant sir," replied Adam, still seated, and drawing his gown
instinctively over Sibyll's face, which nestled on his bosom, in
slumber so deep and heavy, that the gruff voice had not broken it,
"valiant sir! we are forlorn and houseless, an old man and a simple
girl. Some evil-minded persons invaded our home; we fled in the
night, and--"

"Invaded your house! ha, it is clear," said the chief. "We know the
rest."

At this moment Sibyll woke, and starting to her feet in astonishment
and terror at the sight on which her eyes opened, her extreme beauty
made a sensible effect upon the bravoes.

"Do not be daunted, young demoiselle," said the captain, with an air
almost respectful; "it is necessary thou and Sir John should follow
us, but we will treat you well, and consult later on the ransom ye
will pay us. Jock, discharge the young sumpter mule; put its load on
the black one. We have no better equipment for thee, lady; but the
first haquenee we find shall replace the mule, and meanwhile my knaves
will heap their cloaks for a pillion."

"But what mean you?--you mistake us!" exclaimed Sibyll. "We are poor;