338 The Little Minister

Gavin broke through the darkness between
them and him, but they were gone. He called
to them, and stopped to listen to their feet.

“Ts that you, Gavin?” Babbie asked just
then.

For reply, the man who had crept up to her
clapped his hand upon her mouth. Only the
beginning of a scream escaped from her. A
strong arm drove her quickly southward.

Gavin heard her cry, and ran back to the en-
campment. Babbie was gone. None of the
gypsies had seen her since the darkness came
back. He rushed hither and thither with a
torch that only showed his distracted face to
others. He flung up his arms in appeal for
another moment of light; then he heard Babbie
scream again, and this time it was from a distance.
He dashed after her; he heard a trap speeding
down the greensward through the broom.

Lord Rintoul had kidnapped Babbie. Gavin
had no other thought as he ran after the dog-cart
from which the cry had come. The earl’s dog
followed him, snapping at his heels. The rain
began.