"My dear Mabel, we have heard all about it from Mr. Kyffin," she said. "He is up-stairs with your godfather, and will do all he can; but, my dear child, what a journey for you to take!" Mabel, thanking her kind old friend, explained that she had brought companions who might be of great service, and begged that they and their horses might be looked after. "That shall be attended to. And now, my dear Mabel, you must come and rest yourself, and after dinner you shall hear what your friends propose doing." "Oh, let me hear at once," answered Mabel, unconsciously lifting up her hands to Miss Thornborough; "I cannot endure any longer this suspense. Do they think that Harry can be saved? I must see my godfather and Mr. Kyffin, and hear what they propose from their own lips." Mistress Barbara accordingly conducted Mabel up-stairs. Mr. Kyffin came forward in a kind and courteous manner to conduct her to a seat, before taking which, however, she hurried up to her godfather, who kissed her affectionately. "You must not be cast down, my child," he said; "Harry's guardian and I will do all that we can for the lad." Mabel felt her spirits somewhat raised on hearing this. Still she saw that Mr. Kyffin's countenance was very grave, as if his hopes of success were but small. As, however, she described having fallen in with Jacob Tuttle and another shipmate of Harry's, his looks brightened somewhat. "Yes, I see it," he answered; "there is hope if we have them as witnesses, but we must be quick in our movements." "Oh! yes, yes," exclaimed Mabel. "I am ready to go down to Windsor at once, where I hear the King is. He may remember me. I little thought that his visit to Stanmore would have been of so much consequence." "You will be over-fatiguing yourself, young lady," said Mr. Kyffin, looking compassionately at Mabel. "After a ride of nearly one hundred miles, you are scarcely fit to undertake another journey." "Oh, yes, I would mount my horse this instant," answered Mabel. "I care not for food or rest, when Harry's life hangs in the balance." "To relieve your mind we will go at once, then, I promise you," answered Mr. Kyffin. "A coach and four will be in readiness within an hour. In the meantime you must take some refreshment and rest, and we shall be in time to see the King this very afternoon. After that we must be guided by his Majesty's reply." The road from London to Windsor, as it was traversed frequently by royalty, was in those days one of the best in the country. A carriage was proceeding along it in the early part of the afternoon, drawn by four horses galloping at a furious rate. Its passengers were Mabel, Mistress Barbara, who had come to take care of her, and Mr. Kyffin, while outside was Paul Gauntlett, who would not lose sight of his young mistress, and Jacob Tuttle with his companion, who sat on the box and frequently leant forward urging the postillions to drive faster and faster.