that in his younger officer he and his unhappy wife had a
friend. They went out together, followed closely by the hostler, who
wanted his own fee; but both Mr. Berners and Bob Munson were too much
annoyed by his presence to feel like rewarding his attendance.

Lyon Berners mounted to the seat beside his wife, and Bob Munson to that
beside Purley, who held the reins. And in this manner they set out on
their return journey.

They crossed the ferry without attracting particular attention.

CHAPTER XXXII.

A DESPERATE VENTURE

I have set my life upon a cast.
And I will stand the hazard of the die.--SHAKESPEARE.

It was yet so early in the morning that they drove ten miles out to a
small village on the road before they thought of breakfast. There Mr.
Berners reminded the officer in charge that Sybil had not yet broken her
fast. Whereupon Purley drew up before the one little tavern of the
place, alighted, and assisted his charge to alight, and then keeping
fast hold of her arm, led her into the house, and ordered breakfast.

While the meal was being got ready he kept his party of four well
together in the sitting-room where they waited. And as soon as breakfast
was over, they all reentered the wagon and resumed their journey. They
travelled twenty miles before stopping to dine at a lonely roadside
tavern, where again Purley watched his charge with such vigilance that
she had no opportunity to speak privately either to her husband or their
friend. Still she hoped this opportunity would be afforded when they
should stop for the night. After an hour's rest they went on again,
travelling with moderate haste all the afternoon. They made fifteen more
miles before sunset, and then, having driven forty-five miles that day,
and finding their horses very tired, they determined to put up for the
night at a small hamlet, whose comfortable little hotel promised rest
and refreshment.

Still Purley kept close to his charge. They all had supper in a private
sitting-room. And when that meal was over and the hour for retirement
arrived, Purley himself accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Berners to their
bedroom to see that it was secure. It was a front chamber, on the upper
floor, with two front windows overlooking the village street, and but
one door, which opened upon the passage.

"That is all safe," said Purley, casting a glance around. "So I may
leave