"Not much farther," he said. And again she asked that question at the end of an hour, and of another hour, but always to receive the same answer. "Is it not less than a hundred miles from Plymouth to Penzance?" she at length asked uneasily. "Yes," he said; "but you are travelling now upon a line of rail where stoppages are frequent and there is no speed. Bai Jove, though, they ought to be prosecuted for dawdling so." Max smiled as he said those words, for his plan was nearly ripe; and that smile was not lost upon his companion. But she said nothing, only sat there pale, excited, and watchful till another hour had elapsed, during which time the well-fee'd guard had not intruded another passenger. But this could not last for ever. One moment silent and watchful, the next moment with the full conviction of how she had been betrayed upon her, Ella Bedford sprang up and tried to open the door, the train dashing along at the rate of forty miles an hour. There was a strong pair of hands upon her wrists, though, in an instant, and she was forced back into her seat. "Silly child!" exclaimed Max, with an insolent laugh. "What are you going to do?" "We are going back!" exclaimed Ella, struggling to free herself. "Well, not exactly," he said, laughing, and now throwing off all disguise. "Where are you taking me?" she exclaimed. "O, only into North Wales, my trembling little dove," laughed Max, as he held his captive firmly in her place. "Now look here, little one: every dog has his day. It is mine now, and I mean to make use of it. You have braved and jilted me long enough, and it is my turn now. There, you need not struggle; it is of no use. Let's quietly look at the state of affairs. What have you done? Well, you've made an excuse to Mrs Marter, something about going to see a sick friend, and, bai Jove--not to put too fine a point on it--you have eloped with me, Maximilian Bray. I've no doubt our dear friend Mrs Marter has sent word of it to Mrs Brandon by this time. Mrs Brandon will tell the Brays of Lexville, when Mrs Bray will be shocked, and my beloved papa will no doubt leave me his curse; but, all the same, the Vinings will hear all about it. My plan took a long time hatching, but, now it is hatched, it cuts double-edged." "Will you loose my wrists?" cried Ella faintly, "or am I to call for assistance?"