"Forfeiture has been decreed," he answered, "and the new High Sheriff and James Rodolph have gone to-day with a posse and many men to root the traitor out." "How long ago did they start?" "About an hour." "What road did they take?" "The river road. They expect to reach there about nine o'clock. Jupiter! I'd like to be there and see the flames reddening the sky. It will be a grand sight." He looked longingly through the forest toward the Braes. "Something else will be dyed crimson, if I know that Tory right." "That there will be, sir; it will be a lovely scrimmage;" and he sighed at the lost opportunity. The boat grounded on the south bank, and I mounted Toby. "A pleasant ride, sir." "Thanks; good-night." "Toby," said I, as I patted his neck, "you have travelled many a mile to-day, old fellow; but you will have to cover the ground to-night as you never covered it before. They have an hour's start, and we have a longer distance to go; so double your legs under you, my boy, and go." Toby rising to the occasion, and the spirit of old Ranter proving true, he broke into the long even gallop that makes the miles pass swiftly. It was a race against time, against James Rodolph and his crew. I knew if once they gained the Braes, black death would stalk among the ruins, for Charles Gordon would never surrender. The night fell rapidly as we raced along and the miles flew by. As Toby and I drew near Bohemia Manor, where the road joined the one on which the posse was marching, I reined him in and rode more cautiously. It was well that I did so, for as I approached I heard the low murmur of men's voices and saw their figures in the dim light as they were marching by. I brought Toby to a halt. The road was cut off that way, so I wheeled him around to ride back a short distance to where the road skirted the open fields of Bohemia Manor. As Toby plunged forward in answer to my spur, I heard a cry and then a shot came whistling by. But I left them behind, and coming to the open fields, I put Toby at the fence and raced across the open country, through the lower fields to the Braes, Toby taking the fences in his stride. Then I dashed once more across the green lawn of the Braes and drew my sword hilt across the shutter. There was a stir in the room above me; the shutter was cautiously opened and I was covered by the muzzle of a pistol. "Who are you?" demanded a voice which I knew to be Charles Gordon's. "James Frisby of Fairlee," I replied. "I have ridden to warn you, Mr. Gordon. You have only a few minutes to escape in; James Rodolph, with a hundred men behind him, will be here in ten minutes." "Thank you, lad, for the information. I will give them a warm reception." "But you cannot hold the Braes against a hundred men; they will burn you out, and then Mistress Jean." "Hum; that is so, lad. Ride round to the rear of the house."