Cruel As The Grave

"And now, about these housekeeping articles that we must leave here?

They are of very little value in themselves; but they may be found,

and if so, may lead to our discovery," suggested Mr. Berners, uneasily.

"Never you mind them, Master. I'll ondertake to get them away,

onbeknowst to any body, sar," promised Joe.

"And I will see that this is done," added Captain Pendleton in a low

voice, for he did not wish to wound poor Joe's sensitive self-love.

"And now, my dear Sybil, are you sure you have got all that you need in

your bag?" inquired Mr. Berners.

"All that I shall need until we get to Norfolk, Lyon. There, indeed, we

must get a supply of necessary clothing," she answered.

"That of course. And by the way, have you the money and jewels safe?"

"All secure."

"Oh Lyon! I brought this for you, and I had better give it to you at

once, lest I should forget it," put in Captain Pendleton, passing over

to Mr. Berners a large roll of gold coins.

"But my dear Pendleton--"

"Oh, nonsense! take them. I can reimburse myself from the revenues of

Black Hall. Am I not to have the freedom of that fine estate?"

"Very true," answered Mr. Berners, pocketing the money.

"And now, are we ready?" inquired the Captain.

"Quite," answered Mr. and Mrs. Berners at once.

"Then let us start at once," advised the Captain, setting the example by

taking up Sybil's large travelling bag.

Lyon Berners carried his portmanteau on one arm, while he gave his other

to his wife.

Joe loaded himself with a great basket filled with provisions for the

journey.

And together they all set forth from the Haunted Chapel. It was a clear,

cold, starlight night. The gravestones in the old church-yard glimmered

gray among the brushwood, as the fugitives picked their way through it.

When they reached the narrow path leading through the thicket, they had

to walk in single file until they emerged from the wood and found

themselves upon the old road running along the river bank. Here the

wagon with a pair of draught horses was waiting them.

Their luggage was put in on top of bags of potatoes, turnips, etc., with

which the back part of the wagon was loaded. Then Captain Pendleton

assisted Sybil to mount to a seat made by a low-backed chair with a

woolen counterpane thrown over it. Lyon Berners got up into the driver's

place. All being now ready for the start, Captain Pendleton and Joe come

up to the side of the wagon to bid farewell to the travellers.

"Heaven bless you, Pendleton, for your faithful friendship and zealous

labors in our behalf," said Mr. Berners, warmly shaking the Captain's

hand.