young lady of great beauty and accomplishments, in this cave. I do not know
that it will require such extreme measures as this, I hope it will not, but
should it become needful to go to this extreme, I shall desire your aid in
carrying her off."

"We'll be with you, as we have already pledged ourselves; but we must ask,
as a favor in return, that you allow us to settle a personal affair with
Amos Duval."

"Of what nature? You know he is a member of the _League_, and that it is a
crime to lift a hand against him."

"We know all about that; but Duval is a traitor at heart, and we can prove
him such."

"Then proceed against him in the order, and I will stand by you."

"That's just what we want; first to prove him worthy of death by our laws,
and secondly, to be allowed to execute the sentence pronounced against
him."

Duffel could not but see that there was a discrepancy between the first and
last request of these fellows, though they tried to make them appear as
one, and he knew there was personal enmity at the bottom of the whole
affair. His duty, as a member of the order, made it obligatory for him to
discourage any ill feeling among the members; but he needed the services of
these two rascals, and so forbore to reprove them.

"I will aid you as far as my duty to the League will permit, provided you
will do me still another service."

"Name it."

"There is a fellow standing in my way in the prosecution of a scheme for
the benefit of our order, and I would like to have him removed. I
understand you with regard to Duval; you wish to be revenged upon him for
some injury or insult, and that revenge looks to his death. You need not
say, yea or nay; well, we will stand by each other all around. I will give
you further instructions at another time. Hold yourselves in readiness at
any moment to aid me. Meet me in the forest by the old oak, on the path to
the 'Swamp,' every day, and be always prepared for either of the services I
may require at your hands."

"You may rely on us."

Thus these worthies parted. What a series of villainous conspiracies had
been developed in this one night, in that secret den of iniquity! Will
these murderers succeed in all their plans? Alas! the wicked often triumph.

The captain soon returned, and placed the key of his room in Duffel's
possession--and then the clan dispersed.

CHAPTER VI.

PLOTS DEVELOPING.

"Charles, Charles! Where is Charles?"

This name and inquiry