The kind-hearted landlord was much distressed at this decision, for he knew it was unsafe for any one to travel in that part of the country during the night, and put forth every inducement he could think of to make them defer their journey until the following day. But, no; Madame Alroyd said she wanted to get away from that “horrible place” as soon as possible, and now that she had made up her mind, she should not alter it; and in defiance of the anxious landlord’s protestations, they started, with only their driver for a protection, just as the last rays of the glorious setting sun faded from sight. They soon repented of their hasty determination, for they had not proceeded five miles upon their way when heavy clouds overcast the before cloudless sky; the winds arose, and there was every indication of another severe storm, or a continuation of the previous one. But they would not turn back. On they went, over the dark, rugged, mountain road, which was rendered doubly dismal by the huge forest trees which lined each side of the rough way. Suddenly the carriage lights revealed to the driver’s frightened eyes a closely muffled figure, with upraised arm, in the act of hurling a heavy, knotted club at his head. He dodged, but too late, for it struck him full in the face, and, with a groan of pain, his fingers relaxed their hold upon the reins, and he rolled senseless from his seat to the damp earth below. At the same moment, the flying horses were seized by the bits by a strong and evidently masterly hand, for after a few fearful plunges, they yielded to firm hold, and stood quiet and resistless. Madame Alroyd, thoroughly alarmed at this fearful state of affairs, but without knowing the cause, hastily pulled down the carriage window, and strove in vain to see what was the trouble. “Thomas, what has occurred?” she asked, in a frightened voice. “Nothing much, mum; only the horses got a little unruly and one of the lamps went out, so I stopped to light it again,” replied a voice which madam thought did not sound quite natural, but laid it to the howling winds which rendered it almost impossible to hear. “Very well,” she returned. “Light it again as soon as possible, for it is a fearful night, and I am anxious to gain a shelter.” “Yes, mum.” “How far is it before we can reach one?” she continued. “About six or eight miles,” said the man with a low chuckle, as he bent over the refractory lamp which would not light. “Blast it! there goes my last match,” he added, as it flickered, flared, and went out. “Well, well, Thomas, never mind,” returned the lady, impatiently. “Let it go, and do the best you can with the other, only do hasten, for we are almost frightened to death in this darkness, and long for a comfortable room, with cheerful lights and a fire.” “Yes, mum. All right, mum,” was the answer, as the man hastily climbed to his seat, and touched the horses with his whip, muttering with intense satisfaction.