"Robert Munson; a boy that I was so fortunate as to be kind to in his childhood and mine. Afterwards he was a private soldier in Captain Pendleton's company, and served under him for eight years, fighting the Indians on the frontier. At Captain Pendleton's suggestion, and with his own hearty free will, he volunteered for this service of pursuing me, only that he might more effectually try to free me." "Sybil, what are you saying? Have we a friend in one of our captors?" exclaimed Lyon, in astonishment. "Yes; a friend who will serve us to the death! Listen, dear Lyon, and I will tell you all about it," answered Sybil. And she commenced, and related all the circumstances of her acquaintance with Robert Munson; of his motives for entering upon his present avocation, and of his discovery of himself to her in the hotel at Portsmouth. "Now may heaven grant that some day I may have an opportunity of rewarding that good fellow for his willing service, whether it ever avail us or not," said Lyon Berners, earnestly. "But dear Lyon, we must be very careful not to betray by any word or look that we have any acquaintance, much less understanding, with Munson, for to do so would be to ruin our only chance of escape," said Sybil. "Of course! of course! I understand that perfectly well!" "But watch your opportunity, and when you feel it to be perfectly safe, communicate with Robert Munson. "I understand, dear Sybil, and I shall be very prudent and very vigilant," answered Mr. Berners. And then they retired to rest. Very early the next morning they were aroused by their keeper who never left his post at their door until he saw them come out of their room. And then he drew Mrs. Berner's arm within his own and led her down to breakfast. After breakfast they resumed their journey. This first day and night on the road was a type of all that followed. The bailiff Purley never lost sight of his charge except at night, and then he first assured himself that her room was a secure prison, from which it would be impossible for her to escape; and then, to make assurance doubly sure, he always locked the door on the outside, put the key into his pocket, and stretched himself on a mattress across the threshold. There was no opportunity afforded to Sybil, Lyon and their new friend to speak together in private; and as day followed day and night succeeded night in this hopeless manner, their spirits fell from despondency even to despair. But as it is said to be darkest just before dawn, and that when things are at their worst they are sure to mend, so it proved in their case. On the evening of the fourth day of their tedious journey, they stopped to sup and sleep at a lonely farm-house, where for "a consideration," the poor farmer consented, whenever he got the chance, to entertain travellers. Here their wagon and horses were comfortably stabled, and themselves were lodged and feasted.