“You will not advise me to anything dishonorable, I am sure.”

“No—­no—­but oh! at such a fearful cost you have saved me.  Oh! when I think of it, I wish you had not interfered to defend me.  I wish it had not been done!”

“And I would not for the whole world that it had not been done!  Do not fear for me, sweetest Edith!  I run little risk in voluntarily placing myself in the hands of a court-martial—­for British officers are gentlemen, Edith!—­you must not judge them by those you have seen—­and when they hear all the circumstances, I have little doubt that my act will be justified—­besides, my fate will rest with Ross, General Ross—­one of the most gallant and noble spirits ever created, Edith!  And now you must let me go, fairest lady.”  And he raised her hand respectfully to his lips, bowed reverently, and left the hall to find his horse.

Just then Cloudesley was seen approaching, crying out that they had escaped.

“You are not going to leave us, sir?” he asked Cloudesley, catching sight of the ensign.

“I am under the necessity of doing so.”

“But you are not able to travel—­you can scarcely sit your horse.  Pray do not think of leaving us.”

“You are a soldier—­at least an amateur one, and you will understand that after what has occurred, I must not seem to hide myself like a fugitive from justice!  In short, I must go and answer for that which I have done.”

“I understand, but really, sir, you look very ill—­you—­”

But here the young officer held out his hand smilingly, took leave of Cloudesley, and bowing low to Edith, rode off.

Cloudesley and Edith followed the gallant fellow with their eyes.  He had nearly reached the gate, the old green gate at the farthest end of the semi-circular avenue, when the horse stopped, the rider reeled and fell from his saddle.  Cloudesley and Edith ran toward him—­reached him.  Cloudesley disentangled his foot from the stirrup, and raised him in his arms.  Edith stood pale and breathless by.

“He has fainted!  I knew he was suffering extreme pain.  Edith! fly and get some water!  Or rather here! sit down and hold up his head while I go.”

Edith was quickly down by the side of her preserver, supporting his head upon her breast.  Cloudesley sped toward the house for water and assistance.  When he procured what he wanted and returned, he met the troop of collegians on their return from the chase of the retreating marauders.  They reported that they had scattered the fugitives in every direction and lost them in the labyrinths of the forest.

Several of them dismounted and gathered around the young ensign.

But Cloudesley was now upon the spot, and while he bathed the face of the fainting man, explained to them how it was, and requested some one to ride immediately to the village and procure a physician.  Thurston Willcoxen, the next in command under him, and his chosen brother-in-arms, mounted his horse and galloped off.