Two brave chiefs, one a kinsman of my own, and
the other his friend, are now colleagued to free him. If they fail, my
whole house falls in blood! and to add another victim to the destiny
which in that case will overwhelm me-the thought is beyond my
strength." Faint with agitation, and the horrible images which
reawakened her direst fears, she stopped; and then added in a
suppressed voice, "Farewell!"
"Not till you hear me further," replied he. "I repeat I have now a
scanty number of followers; but I leave these mountains to gather more.
Tell me, then, where I may join these chiefs you speak of. Give me a
pledge that I come from you; and whoever may be your father, as he is a
true Scot, I will compass his release, or perish in the attempt."
"Alas! generous stranger," cried she, "to what would you persuade me?
You know not the peril that you seek!"
"Nothing is perilous to me," replied he, with an heroic smile, "that is
to serve my country. I have no interest, no joy but in her. Give me,
then, the only happiness of which I am now capable, and send me to
serve her, by freeing one of her defenders!"
Helen hesitated. The tumult of her mind dried her tears.
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