ain for a fresh supply. When he returned, laden
as before, the old forester had already described a large portion of the
circle he intended to take.

Judging that there was now powder sufficient, Tristram explained to his
companion how to proceed; and the other commenced laying a train on the
left of the secret entrance, carefully observing the instructions given
him. In less than an hour, they met together at a particular tree, and
the formidable circle was complete.

"So far, well!" said Tristram, emptying the contents of his bag beneath
the tree, and covering it with leaves and sticks, as before; "and now to
connect this with the cavern."

With this, he opened another bag, and drew a wide train towards the
centre of the space. At length, he paused at the foot of a large hollow
tree.

"I have ascertained," he said, "that this tree stands immediately over
the magazine; and by following this rabbit's burrow, I have contrived
to make a small entrance into it. A hollow reed introduced through the
hole, and filled with powder, will be sure to reach the store below."

"An excellent ideal," replied Fenwolf. "I will fetch one instantly."

And starting off to the side of the lake, he presently returned with
several long reeds, one of which was selected by Tristram and thrust
into the burrow. It proved of the precise length required; and as soon
as it touched the bottom, it was carefully filled with powder from a
horn. Having connected this tube with the side train, and scattered
powder for several yards around, so as to secure instantaneous ignition,
Tristram pronounced that the train was complete.

"We have now laid a trap from which Herne will scarcely escape," he
observed, with a moody laugh, to Fenwolf.

They then prepared to return to the cave, but had not proceeded many
yards, when Herne, mounted on his sable steed, burst through the trees.

"Ah! what make you here?" he cried, instantly checking his career. "I
bade you keep a strict watch over Mabel. Where is she?"

"She has escaped with Sir Thomas Wyat," replied Fenwolf, "and we have
been in search of them."

"Escaped!" exclaimed Herne, springing from his steed, and rushing up
to him; "dogs! you have played me false. But your lives shall pay the
penalty of your perfidy."

"We had no hand in it whatever," replied Fenwolf doggedly. "She
contrived to get out of a chamber in which I placed her, and to liberate
Sir Thomas Wyat. They then procured a steed from t