f 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
good; but--well, take this shawl, an' let the work be quick. The carman
must be sent back with sore bones to keep him quiet."

The car immediately reached the spot where they sat, and as it passed,
the two men rushed from the gate, stopped the horse, and struck the
carman to the earth. One of them seized him while down, and pressed
his throat, so as to prevent him from shouting. A single faint shriek
escaped the female, who was instantly dragged off the car and gagged by
the other fellow and Nanse M'Collum.

Lamh Laudher saw there was not a moment to be lost. With the speed
of lightning he sprung forward, and with a single blow laid him who
struggled with the carman prostrate. To pass then to the aid of the
female was only the work of an instant. With equal success he struck
down the villain with whom she was struggling. Such was the rapidity of
his motions, that he had not yet had time even to speak; nor indeed did
he wish at all to be recognized in the transaction. The carman, finding
himself freed from his opponent, bounced to his legs, and came to the
assistance of his charge, whilst Lamh Laudher, who had just flung Nanse
M'Collum into the ditch, returned in time to defend both from a second
attack. The contest, however, was a short one. The two ruffians, finding
that there was no chance of succeeding, fled across the fields; and our
humble hero, on looking for Nanse and her aunt, discovered that they
also had disappeared. It is unnecessary to detail the strong terms in
which the strangers expressed their gratitude to Lamh Laudher.

"God's grace