"Then, in the name of Heaven, what will do?" demanded Mr. Berners, in
a tone of desperation.
"You must find a place of concealment, and then take time to disguise
yourself and your wife, so that neither of you can be recognized, before
you venture upon the road to Norfolk. You see, Lyon, you are the better
lawyer, but I am the better strategist! I graduated among the warpaths
and the ambushes of the Redskins on the frontier."
"But where shall I find such a place of concealment?"
"I have thought of that."
"You think of everything."
"Ah! it is easy to show presence of mind in other people's confusion!
Almost as easy at it is to bear other people's troubles!" said the
Captain, attempting a jest, only to raise his friend's drooping spirits.
"But now to the point, for we must be quick. You know the 'Haunted
Chapel?'"
"The old ruined church in the cleft on the other side of the Black
Mountain?"
"Yes; that is the place. Its deep solitude and total abandonment, with
its ghostly reputation, will be sure to secure your safety. Go there;
conceal yourselves and your horses as well as you can. In the course of
to-morrow, or to-morrow night, I will come to you with such news and
such help as I may be able to bring."
"Thank you. Oh, thank you. But what are words? You are a man of deeds.
Your presence of mind has saved us both!" said Lyon Berners earnestly.
"And now to horse," said Captain Pendleton, taking Mrs. Berners under
his guidance, while Mr. Berners brought on the valise and travelling
bag.
Captain Pendleton placed Sybil in her saddle, whispering encouragingly, "Be strong and hopeful. This necessary flight is a temporary evil,
intended to save you from a permanent, and even perhaps a fatal wrong.
Be patient, and time shall vindicate you and bring you back."
"But oh! to leave my home, and the home of my fathers! to leave it like
a criminal, when I am innocent! to leave it in haste, and not to know if
I may ever return," cried Sybil, in a voice of anguish.
"It is a fearful trial. I will not mock you by denying that it is. Yes,
it is a terrible ordeal! but one, Mrs. Berners, that you have heroism
enough to bear," replied Captain Pendleton, as he bowed over her
extended hand and gave her the reins.
Lyon Berners was also mounted. They were ready to start. With a mutual
"God bless you," the friends parted.
Lyon and Sybil took the dark road.
Captain Pendleton unlocked the door that had been locked by Mr. Berners,
but as he pushed to open it he felt an obstruction, and instantly
afterwards heard some one run away.