ousy, would stop at nothing. There were but little data on which I
could build my theories, or form my plans. The first question that
appealed to me was, What was Wilfred likely to do? What steps would he
take?

From what Bill Tregargus had told me I gathered that he was going to
tell her that I was dead, and again press upon her his suit, and then
if she would not listen to him to--well, I knew not what.

But I was sure he would not dare to harm her in her own home, where she
would be surrounded by so many servants and friends. No, he would seek
to lure her away alone; where I could not guess; but knowing Wilfred as
I did, I felt sure that this would be his plan. The execution of this
plan would, however, be delayed till dark, so my hope lay in arriving
before sunset.

Let no one think, then, that I was riding on a scheme of vengeance; on
the contrary, my intention was to save. I hoped to save Wilfred from
committing a dark deed, I longed to save Ruth from becoming a villain's
prey. I had no desire to hurt either Wilfred or his accomplice. No
good could come of that. To meet evil with evil is useless for any
good purpose.

At length my heart began to beat loudly, for I knew I was nearing
Morton Hall. I passed by the farm where a year before a buxom maiden
had given me some new milk, and when I had ridden a little farther I
saw a great clump of trees which I knew surrounded Morton Church. It
was well that the journey was nearly over, for Black Bess was covered
with foam, and by her spreading nostrils and hard breathing I knew she
would be glad to rest.

Knowing nothing of Wilfred's schemes, I had no definite plans made; but
I had been revolving a dozen in my mind, and determined, if necessary,
not to hesitate to take bold action.

Just before coming to the village, I decided that it would not be wise
to go to the inn. My brother would very likely stable his horses there
and for aught I knew might have watchers on every hand. Where should I
go, then, so as not to be noticed?

When last there, I discovered that there was no need for me to go into
the village in order to reach Ruth's house. Perhaps it would be better
to ride there direct, and make the necessary inquiries. Perhaps--God
knows how I hoped it--she was still in the house, Wilfred not having
been able to concoct a plan sufficiently plausible to get her away
alone. If so, I should meet her, and be able to warn and protect her.

This I wo