eat haste. Of a sudden,
after his fashion, he became enraged. He sprang from the carriage and
met Mr. Wilson. And so--they passed a time or so, and 'twas done. Mr.
Wilson died a few moments later. My brother was taken and lodged in
jail. There is said to be bitter feeling at the court over this custom
of dueling, and it has long been thought that an example would be made."

"And this letter without doubt bears upon all this? Perhaps it might be
well if I made both of us owners of its contents."

"Assuredly, I should say," replied Will, too distracted to take full
heed.

The girl tore open the inclosure. She saw but three words, written
boldly, firmly, addressed to no one, and signed by no one.

"Come to me!" Thus spoke the message. This was the summons that had
crossed black London town that night.

Mary Connynge rose quickly to her feet, forgetting for the time the man
who stood before her. The instant demanded all the resources of her
soul. She fought to remain mistress of herself. A moment, and she
passed Will Law with swift foot, and gained again the stairway in the
hall, the letter still fast within her hand. Will Law had not time to
ask its contents.

"There is need of haste," said she. "James, have up the calash at once.
Mr. Law, I crave your excuse for a time. In a moment I shall be ready to
go with you."

In two minutes she was sobbing alone, her face down upon the bed. In
five, she was at the door, dressed, cloaked, smiling sweetly and ready
for the journey. And thus it was that, of two women who loved John Law,
that one fared on to see him for whom he had not sent.

CHAPTER XIV

PRISONERS

The turnkey at the inner door was slothful, sleepy and ill disposed to
listen when he heard that certain callers would be admitted to the
prisoner John Law.

"Tis late," said he, "and besides, 'tis contrary to the rules. Must not
a prison have rules? Tell me that!"

"We have come to arrange for certain matters regarding Mr. Law's
defense," said Mary Connynge, as she threw back her cloak and bent upon
the turnkey the full glance of her dark eye. "Surely you would not deny
us."

The turnkey looked at Will Law with a hesitation in his attitude. "Why,
this gentleman I know," he began.

"Yes; let us in," cried Will Law, with sudden energy. "'Tis time that we
took steps to set my brother free."

"True, so say they all, young master," replied the turnkey, grinning.
"'Tis easy to get ye in, but passing