Now was the fate of my bitter enemy, the wily, the wicked Stuart, in my power; I could either liberate him, or leave him to perish. It struck me, that to miss such a promising interview, would be stupid in the extreme; and I felt a sort of glow at the idea of saying to him, live! besides, the fellow had answered the robbers with some spirit, so I descended the steps, unlocked the door, and bursting into the cellar, stood in an unparalleled attitude before him. He was sitting on the ground, and fastening a handkerchief about his wounded leg, but at my entrance, he sprang upon his feet. 'Away, save thyself!' cried I. 'She who restores thee to freedom flies herself from captivity. Look on these features--Thou wouldest have wrung them with despair. Look on this form--Thou wouldest have prest it in depravity. Hence, unhappy sinner, and learn, that innocence is ever victorious and ever merciful.' 'I am all amazement!' exclaimed he. 'Who are you? Whence come you? Why speak so angrily, yet act so kindly?' I smiled disdain, and turned to depart. 'One moment more,' cried he. 'Here is some mistake; for I never even saw you before.' 'Often!' exclaimed I, and was again going. 'So you will leave me, my sweet girl,' said he, smiling. 'Now you have all this time prevented me from binding my wound, and you owe me some compensation for loss of blood.' I paused. 'I would ask you to assist me,' continued he, 'but in binding one wound, I fear you would inflict another.' Mere curiosity made me return two steps. 'I think, however, there would be healing in the touch of so fair a hand,' and he took mine as he spoke. At this moment, my humanity conquered my reserve, and kneeling down, I began to fasten the bandage; but resolved on not uttering another word. 'What kindness!' cried he. 'And pray to whom am I indebted for it?' No reply. 'At least, may I learn whether I can, in any manner, repay it?' No reply. 'You said, I think, that you had just escaped from confinement?' No reply. 'You will stain your beautiful locks,' said he: 'my blood should flow to defend, but shall not flow to disfigure them. Permit me to collect those charming tresses.' 'Oh! dear, thank you, Sir!' stammered I. 'And thank you, ten thousand times,' said he, as I finished my disagreeable task; 'and now never will I quit you till I see you safe to your friends.' 'You!' exclaimed I. 'Ah, traitor!' He gazed at me with a look of pity. 'Farewell then, my kind preserver,' said he; ''tis a long way to the next habitation, and should my wound open afresh and should I faint from loss of blood----' 'Dear me,' said I, 'let me assist you.' He smiled. 'We will assist each other,' answered he; 'and now let us not lose a moment, for the robbers may return.'