Part 32 (2/2)

I had not overestimated the difficulty of our task, and ere we reached the outer wall I was glad to place

At length we reached the other side and, still struggling to keep our heads above the surface, we co the wall for the ladder mentioned in the letter

”What if it should not be here?” I askedain cross the hty giant by h his Herculean strength were ebbing fast Mine arms had now become so weak that I could scarce lift theht feel for the ladder

”Here--sor,” gasped rasped me by the arm and drew me to him ”Oi--have it--at last--yer honour The saints--be praised”

Yes, there it was, and hoelco hand

We remained thus, with our heads only above the water, for soained a part of our breaths

I mounted the ladder first and climbed wearily to the top Verily, never in all ht Ah! I was on the top; and there I sat whilst Michael's enor out of the water below and wearily climbed the ladder

[Illustration: ”I climbed wearily to the top”]

”Mither-o'-Gawd! Oi fale loike a dah the sihly

Then we drew up the ropes and, unfastening the hooks, we reversed them and let down the ladder on the other side Down this ent, and, thank Heaven, ere free froation of cold, cruel towers and walls

I felt like a soul but new granted its release froatory must feel as he looks back, with hunted, awe-struck eyes, at the place of his late confinehs with thankfulness for his freedom; yet shudders in fear that this liberty is but a dreaain within the gates of agony

Then we hastened on with soggy steps, ht pass as far as possible froth reached the place where Michael had left the horses They were tethered in a shed attached to a vacant house not far from the walls of the Tower, and on the western side

The sword that Michael had brought forfro it on I felt onceour horses, we rode forth into the night, and, at no slow pace, started by the nearest way on our journey to the Sanctuary

CHAPTER XXVI

THE HOUSE WITH THE FLAG

We had no difficulty in passing through the city's gates I ent business,”

and the great gates swung back upon their ic inhad ht, or our exit had not been so easily accoh beneath the arch the keeper called out:--

”Is it true that Richmond hath landed?”

”Ay, ay, 'tis true indeed,” I cried over h the fiends pursued us Our horses were urged to their utht leave the Sanctuary ere the day did dawn

Already was the East casting off her dark robe of night and decking herself in brighter colours

When we entered Westminster and drew up before the Sanctuary the door flew open and there, standing by Harleston, by who fro forward, and her hand held above her eyes, as she peered into the darkness with a world of expectancy in her pose, as shown up right nobly by the laht behind her

Mary stood at Frederick's other side; her hand upon his ar fro the reins to Michael, I hastened towards the care, however, to speak ere I did step into the rays of light, that the girls ht not be startled by mine unannounced approach