fectly heard. It seemed to convey some warning of danger,
and the person who spoke appeared, from the tremulous accents, to labor
under many apprehensions. The voice proceeded with increased emphasis,
advising his instant departure from the house--speaking of nameless
dangers--of murderous intrigue and conspiracy, and warning against even
the delay of a single instant.

The character of Ralph was finely marked, and firmness of purpose and a
ready decision were among its most prominent attributes. Hastily leaping
from his couch, therefore, with a single bound he reached the door of
his chamber, which, to his astonishment, he found entirely unfastened.
The movement was so sudden and so entirely unlooked-for, that the
intruder was taken by surprise; and beheld, while the youth closed
securely the entrance, the hope of escape entirely cut off. Ralph
advanced toward his visiter, the dim outline of whose person was visible
upon the wall. Lifting his arm as he approached, what was his
astonishment to perceive the object of his assault sink before him upon
the floor, while the pleading voice of a woman called upon him for
mercy.

"Spare me, Mr. Colleton--spare me"--she exclaimed, in undisguised
terror.

"You here, Miss Munro, and at this hour of the night!" was the wondering
inquiry, as he lifted her from the floor, her limbs, trembling with
agitation, scarcely able to support even her slender form.

"Forgive me, sir, forgive me. Think not ill of me, I pray you. I come to
save you,--indeed, Mr. Colleton, I do--and nothing, believe me, would
have brought me here but the knowledge of your immediate danger."

She felt the delicacy of her situation, and recognising her motive
readily, we will do him the justice to say, Ralph felt it too in the
assurance of her lips. A respectful delicacy pervaded his manner as he
inquired earnestly:--

"What is this danger, Miss Munro? I believe you fear for me, but may you
not have exaggerated the cause of alarm to yourself? What have I to
fear--from what would you save me?"

"Nay, ask me not, sir, but fly. There is but little time for
explanation, believe me. I know and do not imagine the danger. I can not
tell you all, nor can you with safety bestow the time to hear. Your
murderers are awake--they are in this very house, and nothing but
instant flight can save you from their hands."

"But from whom, Miss Munro, am I to fear all this? What has given you
this alarm, which, until you can