330 The Little Minister

a moment was allowed him, and it was their last
chance on earth. He took it. His arm went
round his beloved, and he drew her away from
Nanny’s.

McKenzie found both house and garden empty.
“ And yet,” he said, “I swear some one passed
the window as we sighted it.”

«Waste no more time,” cried the impatient
earl. “We must be very near the hill now.
You will have to lead the horse, McKenzie, in
this darkness ; the dog may find the way through
the broom for us.”

“The dog has run on,” McKenzie replied,
now in an evil temper. ‘“ Who knows, it may
be with her now? So we must feel our way
cautiously ; there is no call for capsizing the trap
in our haste.” But there was call for haste if
they were to reach the gypsy encampment before
Gavin and Babbie were made man and wife over
the tongs.

The Spittal dog-cart rocked as it dragged its
way through the broom. Rob Dow followed.
The ten o'clock bell began to ring.