"This cannot be the ford," said he; "the bank looks too steep on the
other side."
"What is that black object across the water?" asked Cranfield, from
behind. "Can the river have risen and the bank caved in?"
"It has too regular an outline for that," said L'Isle, who had now
come up, and was trying to peer through the darkness. "Do you not hear
the stamping of a horse across the water?"
"And a clattering sound?" said Cranfield, as a dragoon's sword struck
against a neighboring stirrup.
"Lady Mabel," said L'Isle, eagerly, (she had pressed close up beside
him,) "Pray ride back a little way, and take the ladies with you."
"I will, but what is the matter?"
"The road seems to be occupied. But go at once, and take them with
you."
"I wish it were daylight!" said she, trying to laugh off her
trepidation. "Adventures by night are more than I bargained for. Come
ladies, follow me."
"Tom," said L'Isle to his groom, without turning his head, but gazing
steadily at the dark object across the water, "Follow Lady Mabel."
"Better send the Doctor, sir," said Tom, doggedly. "He has not sword
or pistol."
"Whoever they are," said L'Isle to Cranfield, "they have posted
themselves badly for surprise or attack.
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