"He's dearer to me than any relative I have, Kyrle. I love him as I would a brother. Besides, one, in whom I am interested, loves him in a different way." "Ah, yes! the lady of course; prime source and root of all evil." "In the present case the source of something good, however. But for the lady, in all likelihood Monmouth would still be under Royalist rule-- nay, I may say surely would." "How so, Walwyn? What had she to do with the taking of Monmouth?" "A great deal--everything. She was the instigator; her motive you may guess." "I see; to get young Trevor out of prison. Well!" "I had some difficulty in convincing Massey the thing was possible; and, but for her intercession with him, I might have failed doing so. Our success at Beachley, however, settled it; especially when I laid before him the scheme we've been so fortunate in accomplishing." "Well, we should thank the lady for it. May I know who she is?" "Certainly. The daughter of Ambrose Powell, of Hollymead." "Ah! That explains why Trevor was there when taken?" "In a way, it does." "I've but slight acquaintance with Powell, myself; though, as neighbours, we were always on friendly terms. He and his family are now in Gloucester, are they not?" "They are. For a time they stayed at Bristol--up to the surrender." "Luckily they're not there now. A sweet place that for anything in the shape of a young lady. Master Powell may thank his good star for getting him and his out of it. Two daughters he has, if I remember rightly, with names rather singular--Sabrina and Vaga?" "They are so named." "With whom is young Trevor in relations?" "The younger, Vaga. Poor girl! she'll be terribly disappointed when she hears of his having been carried on out of our reach, and so near being rescued!" "Out of our reach!" said Kyrle, an odd expression coming over his features, as if some thought had struck him. "Is that so sure?" "Why not? He's in Goodrich Castle. You don't think it possible for us to take it?" "Not at present; though, by-and-by, it may be within the possibilities. No man wishes more than I to see the proud pile razed to the ground, and Henry Lingen hanged over the ruins. Many the fright he has given my poor father with his cowardly threats. But I hope getting quits with him before the game's at an end." "What chance then of rescuing Trevor? Have you thought of any?" "I have. And not such a hopeless one either. You're willing to risk something to get him free?" "Anything! My life, if need be." "That risk will be called for; mine too, if we make the attempt I'm thinking of." "An attempt! Tell me what it is. For heaven's sake, Kyrle, don't keep me in suspense!"