ne since.

CHAPTER XVI.

A NIGHT ADVENTURE.

But whatsoe'er his crime, than such a cave
A worse imprisonment he could not have.
* * * * *
But here a roaring torrent bids you stand.
Forcing you climb a rock on the right hand,
Which, hanging penthouse-like, does overlook
The dreadful channel of the rapid brook.
Over this dangerous precipice you crawl,
Lost if you slip, for if you slip you fall.

WONDERS OF THE PEAK, 1725.

Elated by their success, the two noblemen at once left London and
hastened on towards Haddon, and leaving the city behind them with
few regrets, they arrived at Derby late in the afternoon of the day
following the trial.

It was Sir Thomas Stanley's time to be impatient now He was anxious
to behold Margaret again, and leaving the baron behind him to settle
a few matters of business he rode off upon a fresh horse to carry the
good news to the Hall, and to herald the approach of the knight.

John Manners was keeping Dorothy company on the top of the Eagle Tower
when Sir Thomas appeared in sight. A "look out" had been on the watch
for the last three days, waiting to announce the approach of the
expected messenger from London, and each night a beacon fire had been
lighted, that in the darkness he might not pass by. But no messenger
came, and anxiety was beginning to make itself apparent on more faces
than one when the two lovers espied the fast-approaching rider, and
proclaimed the news to the household below.

Margaret soon joined them company. She was burning with impatience to
read the long-expected missive and she eagerly watched the horseman
draw nearer who was bringing her tidings from her betrothed.

"See Meg," exclaimed the overjoyed Dorothy, "thither he comes!" and
she pointed to a cloud of dust in the far distance, in the midst of
which might be seen every now and again the indistinct form of a horse
and its rider.

"Maybe he will pass by," exclaimed Manners.

"Not he!" scornfully replied Margaret, "he will none pass by. None
other than a messenger to Haddon would ride like that. The steed is
hard put to it; surely it is near its journey's end."

"Well, we shall soon see," interposed Doll, "he is making good speed."

It was as Dorothy said. Even while they had been talking, the rider
had considerably lessened the distance which separated him from the
Hall, and, had it not been for the dim twilight which was then slowly