And now farewell. The
rest is in your own hands. May Heaven give you good fortune." So
saying, the old man set down his lantern and left Malcolm alone.
The latter, after examining the saddle and bridle, and seeing that
every buckle was firm and in its place, extinguished the light,
and waited patiently for morning. In two hours a faint light began
to show itself. Stronger and stronger it grew until it was broad
day. Still there were but few sounds of life and movement in the
castle. Presently, however, the noise of footsteps and voices was
heard in the courtyard.
Although apprehensive that at any moment the stable door might
open, Malcolm still delayed his start, as it would be fatal were he
to set out before the opening of the gates. At last he felt sure
that they must be opened to admit the country people coming in with
supplies for the market. He had donned his helmet before leaving
his cell, and he now quietly opened the stable door, sprang into
the saddle, and rode boldly out.
Several soldiers were loitering about the courtyard. Some were
washing at the trough and bathing their heads beneath the fountain
to get rid of the fumes of the wine they had indulged in overnight.
Others were cleaning their arms.
The sudden appearance of a mounted officer armed from head to foot
caused a general pause in their occupation, although none had any
suspicion that the splendidly attired officer was a fugitive; but,
believing that he was one of Leslie's friends who was setting out
on some mission, they paid no further heed to him, as quietly and
without any sign of haste he rode through the gateway of the castle
into the town.
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