I could dimly see the footpath by the hedgerow, so I ran noiselessly along it, until I reached the end of the field, then I stood upon the stile and listened. All was silent as death. "Surely," I said. "My fears are in vain. Ruth has gone quietly back to her home. If I am quick I shall overtake her." With this hope in my heart, yet feeling terribly anxious, I rushed along the hedgeside, and had nearly traversed the length of the field when I heard what I thought was a smothered scream. The sound was near me, too, it seemed to come from the other side of the fence which was just before me. With beating heart I went stealthily forward and looked over the hedge into the other field. In the dim light I saw four figures. But there was no struggling. They seemed to have only just met, and as I looked I heard a voice that set my every nerve quivering. "Wilfred," said the voice, which I knew was Ruth's, "how came you here?" "I came to see you, Ruth," said Wilfred in low, subdued tones. "But why did you not go to the house? I have been home all day, and my doors are never closed to any one bearing your name." "I have met you here because I want to see you alone, and because I have some strange things to tell you." "Well, speak on," she said, haughtily; "here, Clara, come and stand by my side." "No," said Wilfred, hoarsely, "I want no servants near; I must speak to you alone, here, now. Jake, take this jade a few yards away and stay there." Jake did as he was told, and the servant, having evidently seen Wilfred before, seemed to think no wrong. I saw Ruth look around her as if in fear, however, while I, scarce knowing why, waited for what should follow next. "Wilfred," said Ruth, "this is strange acting. Never before has any one dared to treat me so; but you are an old friend, or I should say perhaps that I have known you a very long time, and so I grant your request. Speak, but speak quickly. Meanwhile we will walk home." "No," said Wilfred, "I say what I want to say here." "Why?" "Ruth, I am a desperate man, and I must use desperate means. I am not going to be frightened out of my purposes; nothing shall stay my hand!" He spoke with the old intense tone of voice that I knew so well, and I knew, as he said, that he was desperate. "Well, what have you to tell me, Wilfred?" There was no fear in her voice. Evidently, she felt she was on her own land, and that no one would dare to molest her, where she was beloved by all. "First of all, Ruth," he said hoarsely, "I am come to tell you that Roger is dead. News came last night of his death." "Died! How?" she gasped. "Hanged," he said, savagely. "The pirate vessel on which he sailed was captured, and he has been hanged. One or two of the crew were granted a reprieve, but Roger was the most bloodthirsty man among them, and to him no mercy was shown." She did not speak, and, after being silent a second, he went on.