Part 36 (2/2)
”Hallo!” exclaimed one. ”Just off out--pilgrimage to Egypt, eh? And Mrs Lee, too! How are you all? Bad job, though; for we wanted a rest and feed for the horses. S'pose we can have that all the same?”
John Lawler laid his hand upon the saddle of the speaker, and looking wonderingly in his face, he said:
”What! didn't the news reach you last night?”
”News?” echoed the other.
Lawler drew him down, and whispered in his ear, so that the drooping woman upon the horse should not hear again of the horrors that had devastated her home.
”Good G.o.d!” exclaimed the new-comer. ”But have you sent out for help?”
”Yes,” said Lawler; ”three messengers. One miscarried; and I've had no news yet of the others.”
A short conference was held as the new-comers, with darkened brows, learned more fully the state of affairs, and discussed it with John Lawler--earnestly, too, since each had a stake in the district, and knew full well that his might be the next turn to suffer as had suffered the family of Martin Lee.
Five minutes after, Lawler's wife was clinging to him, begging that, for the child's sake, he would accompany her to a place of safety; but although torn to the heart, the settler held firm. In a short consultation, it had been decided to let the women proceed, accompanied by Lawler's crippled man, while the three remained to garrison the little farm, and cover the retreat of the fugitives, agreeing that, if hard pressed, they could but follow them.
”We must stay and help one another,” said Lawler gloomily. ”You attend to poor Lee's wife; we'll see if we cannot save his child.”
”But could not he stay?” said his wife piteously, as she pointed to the man.
”Would you have your husband turn coward, Nell?” Lawler said gently.
”Should we not say that man was contemptible who kept back from us in time of need? Be a woman! There will be help soon; and it would never do now for neighbours to come at my asking, and find me gone. Half an hour ago it was different, and there was good excuse; now there is none.”
Mrs Lawler uttered no complaint; only one sob rose from her breast as she hung on her husband's neck; and then, with the man leading the horses, the party pa.s.sed slowly out of sight.
”Heaven be praised!” said one of the new-comers. ”One seems free to act now.”
After a little consideration, it was determined that nothing better could be done than for one of the party in turn to act as scout, and watch the ravine leading towards the Gap, the only way by which danger could approach; while the others patiently waited the succour that was expected.
STORY THREE, CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
THE START.
Hour after hour the little rescuing party waited for further a.s.sistance; for sooner or later they well knew that there would be a strong gathering; but night was fast approaching before two hors.e.m.e.n were seen; and of these one, Mr Meadows, had to be lifted from his horse, and then supported into the house.
”Better soon, friends all,” he said feebly. ”I've been hard tried lately.” And then he sank into a chair, and would have fainted, but for some brandy. ”I've proved a sorry messenger, friend Lawler,” he said after a pause. ”You see, I was a good deal knocked about at the Nest, and I took the wrong track, and was lost; and, but for my horse, I fear there would have been no help through me. I was confused and weak, and not myself; but don't be hard upon me.”
”I came on with him directly,” said the fresh arrival; ”and I've sent round in all directions; but it will be some hours before more help can come.”
But still this was a reinforcement; for the settler was well armed, and loaded with ammunition; while, just as it grew dark, there came the sharp ”thud, thud” of horses' hoofs, and Lawler's first messenger hastily came up with three neighbours, armed, and eager to a.s.sist.
”The mare fell lame,” said the man, ”before we'd gone three miles; so I turned her loose, and tramped it.”
”And I was cattle-driving,” said one. ”And I at the sheep-station,”
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