"Jasper! Oh, thank God!" It was Naomi's voice, and my strength seemed trebled as I heard it. God pity the man who had dared to oppose me then, for I would have showed no mercy! There was another man in the carriage, a priest, I think, but he seemed too frightened to offer any resistance. So I took her in my arms, and lifted her as though she were a baby, then I ran down the hill, carrying my love. "Don't trouble about the horses, follow that fellow!" I heard a voice say. "I will give twenty guineas for the man who brings him back, alive or dead." As I rushed on I heard a bullet whizz by me, but it did no harm, at the same time it made me fearful. For myself I did not care, but my great strength could not protect my darling against firearms, besides if I were smitten down what would become of her? "You are not harmed, my little maid?" I said. "No, Jasper." "And you are not afraid?" "Not now, Jasper." Then I held her more tightly, and vowed that I would crush the man who sought to take her away from me, as I have often crushed an egg in the palm of my hand by bringing my fingers together. I heard footsteps behind me, and then I realised that I should soon be between two fires, for I was running in the direction of Mawgan Church. The footsteps came closer to me, while angry voices with many oaths bade me stop, but the black clouds which covered the sky kept them from taking anything like accurate aim. Besides, the lane was darker than the open countryside, owing to the high hedges which had been built on either side. Still my position was dangerous, and I was about to leap over a gate which I saw close beside me, when I heard the sound of horses' hoofs, and evidently they were coming from another direction. "Can it be Eli?" I thought. But I dared not shout, as by so doing I should assist my pursuers. There were four of them I knew, possibly there might have been more. I was in sore straits, for by this time my strength was becoming spent; and although I could not bear the thought of dropping my precious burden, her weight was a sore strain upon my already overtaxed muscles. Still I never lost heart, and I know that had I stood face to face with the men who sought me, God would be with me in my battle. My heart gave a joyful leap, for I heard Eli's whistle. It was a weird, unearthly sound, and was suggestive of spirits of darkness rather than of a human being. I ran in the direction of the sound, however. "Eli, quick!" I gasped; then I heard the welcome click of horses' feet again. "Maaster Jasper, got purty maid?" he grunted. "Yes; her horse, Eli, her horse." "'Tes a fiery wawn. Be careful now!" "I can ride any horse," said Naomi, eagerly; "don't fear for me now." We were now under the trees close to Mawgan Church. It was so dark that I could scarcely see my hand, and the rain began to fall heavily. I heard the voices of the men near me again. "Which way are they gone?" one said, for there was a branch road near us.