started, and crossed himself; he suddenly exclaimed, "A friend!
Yes; I have a friend! a powerful one too; one sent by Heaven to be my
protector, but whom I have too long neglected."

"Who can that be?" said Oswald.

"Who should it be," said Edmund, "but that good Sir Philip Harclay, the
chosen friend of him, whom I shall from henceforward call my father."

"'Tis true indeed," said Oswald; "and this is a fresh proof of what
I before observed, that Heaven assists you, and will complete its own
work."

"I think so myself," said Edmund, "and rely upon its direction. I have
already determined on my future conduct, which I will communicate to
you. My first step shall be to leave the castle; my lord has this day
given me a horse, upon which I purpose to set out this very night,
without the knowledge of any of the family. I will go to Sir Philip
Harclay; I will throw myself at his feet, relate my strange story, and
implore his protection; With him I will consult on the most proper way
of bringing this murderer to public justice; and I will be guided by his
advice and direction in everything."

"Nothing can be better," said Oswald, "than what you propose; but give
me leave to offer an addition to your scheme. You shall set off in the
dead of night, as you intend; Joseph and I, will favour your departure
in such a manner as to throw a mystery over the circumstances of it.
Your disappearing at such a time from the haunted apartment will terrify
and confound all the family; they will puzzle themselves in vain to
account for it, and they will be afraid to pry into the secrets of that
place."

"You say well, and I approve your addition," replied Edmund. "Suppose,
likewise, there was a letter written in a mysterious manner, and dropt
in my lord's way, or sent to him afterwards; it would forward our
design, and frighten them away from that apartment." "That shall be
my care," said Oswald; "and I will warrant you that they will not find
themselves disposed to inhabit it presently."

"But how shall I leave my dear friend Mr. William, without a word of
notice of this separation?"

"I have thought of that too," said Oswald; "and I will so manage, as
to acquaint him with it in such a manner as he shall think out of the
common course of things, and which shall make him wonder and be silent."

"How will you do that," said Edmund?

"I will tell you hereafter," said Oswald; "for here comes old Joseph to
meet us."

He came, indeed