ce to the Sanctuary." These were the
thoughts that now kept running through his mind, causing him great
anxiety.

He then read the letter and order to Michael, and then told him of his
doubts, and asked him for his opinion.

"Sure, sor," said Michael, "methinks the chances are that it were
dangerous for thee, sor, to go thoysilf into that houle o' Hill. But,
yer honour, it moight have come from Lord Stanley, and it may be the
truth he sez. How'd it be, sor, if Oi moysilf wint in yer honour's
place? Sure, Sor Walter must be saved, if Oi lose a scoure o' loives
in the doin' o' it. Sure, sor, 'twould matter little if they did chop
off moy head; but if thou wert wance shut up in that damned Tower what
moight not happen to that swate lady in the Sanctuary?" And Michael's
lips closed into a straight line that bespoke no good unto those which
attempted to keep him in the Tower.

"'Tis good, Michael, that I follow thine advice; for whilst thou art
aiding Sir Walter in his escape, myself will unto the Sanctuary, and
there acquaint the Lady Hazel with our plans, and have her in readiness
for the flight. Besides," he continued, "thy presence with Sir Walter
will give me assurance that the keeper and the soldier guarding the
breach shall make no noise.

"But come, we must make haste; for the night is already far spent, and
Sir Walter and his dear lady must have left the Sanctuary by the dawn
of day.

"Thou must go well armed, and take with thee a horse for Sir Walter."

"Oi will, sor."

"Do thou make ready the horses, that the grooms may know not who took
them from the stable."

"Hadn't Oi bist take with me anither sword for Sor Walter? Thim
spalpeens took his own from him, bad luck to thim fer it."

"Yes, Michael; 'twas thoughtful of thee to remember this necessity.

"And now, Michael, for thy directions:--

"Tether your horses in some quiet, and not too light, spot. Then
proceed unto the western entrance, and to the officer in charge thereof
present this order, being sure, however, to have him return it unto
thee. In the same manner, providing that this order be not a trap,
shalt thou pass the other gates. Inform these officers that thou dost
desire to be taken unto the prison of Sir Walter Bradley, in the square
tower. When thou dost see Sir Walter do not appear friendly with him
if there be more than the one keeper present, lest it doth cause them
to watch ye too closely. Thou knowest best how to sile