if the deliverance of the captive Mrs. O'Grady should crown my undertaking, I shall be ready to surrender her into your hands at that hour.

"I am, honoured sir, in high and sanguine hope of conquest; and, with the most perfect submission to your will, your faithful servant till death,

"JEREMIAH GAUNTLET."

Plunket, though disappointed that this letter was not more explicit, yet confiding in the well-known address and valorous spirit of Gauntlet, looked forward to a meeting at the appointed hour with Fanny; and soon after set out, without hesitation, to the inn named, which was more than fifteen miles distance, to rest there for the night, and be ready to receive her on her arrival.

Here stopping as a traveller for refreshment and repose, Plunket ordered dinner, after which he amused himself with a

book,

book, till it was time to retire; and this he found it expedient to do at an early hour, as his restlessness the two preceding nights weighed down, in despite of his anxiety, his exhausted spirits.

Undis

turbed by the family, still up, he enjoyed several hours of tranquil repose, out of which he awaked only a few minutes before the clock struck four.

Not expecting, however, Fanny or Gauntlet at that early hour, he sought, after ten minutes given to serious reflections, to compose his thoughts for a second sleep, when a thundering knock on the hall-door roused every drowsy faculty to lively hope, and caused him to start out of bed immediately.

Throwing up the window sash of his apartment, which commanded a view of the outside door, he perceived, by the dusky light of a clouded moon, two persons mounted on one horse, and whom his fluttering heart taught him to expect might be Gauntlet and Fanny.

D6

Instantly

calling

calling out, he demanded, in an impatient voice, who was there? when a scream of joy from his maternal friend, and a shout of joyful gratulation from his former faithful attendant, gave to his welcome address immediate and grateful recognition.

In the first transports of his joy, our hero felt ready, by repeated peals of the bell, while he dressed himself, to rouse the sleeping family; but a moment's reflection recalling to his thoughts the depredatory life of Gauntlet, made him tremble for that brave fellow's safety; dropping therefore the pull of the bell, he hurried on his clothes, and descended in haste to procure him and his companion quiet admission.

The waiter, who slept in a small chamber adjoining the hall, roused by the loud knocking at the door, had given them entrance, just as Plunket descended, who, with all the pure transports of filial love, received to his warm breast the trembling Fanny.

Shivering

Shivering from the intense coldness of the night, yet glowing with gratitude to her deliverer, and ardent affection towards the dear youth, whom from his very childhood she had loved and cherished, and whom, by the warm interest he had taken in her late misfortune, so well merited her affection, Mrs. O'Grady felt for a moment scarce able to support herself; her emotions for her enfeebled frame became too powerful; yet, restored almost instantaneously from this sudden weakness by the natural energy of her mind, she sprung from Plunket's arms to seek Gauntlet.

He had retired, and at the door was in the act of remounting his horse, when the grateful woman caught him by the arm.

"It is not thus I can part with the generous man to whom I owe my liberty!" she exclaimed, with warmth; "though unable of myself to requite your kindness, the friendship of captain Plunket shall reward your service to me."

"You cannot quit us thus abruptly," subjoined

subjoined Plunket, who approached at the "You know, Jerry, my

same moment.

anxious wish to serve you; command its utmost efforts."

"I feel your kindness, sir," answered Gauntlet, in a softened tone, "and your gratitude, madam, for so slight a favour; but an inevitable necessity now urges my departure. To remain a moment would be to hazard life, and obviate perhaps your power to serve me.”

As Jerry concluded he rested his hand on the horse's neck, and placed his foot in the stirrup.

"True!" exclaimed Plunket, in sudden alarm; "begone! yet hear me one word,” he added, staying for a moment with his extended hand Gauntlet's intention to mount horse. "After breakfast we shall depart from hence for Mrs. Harty's house; let me see you there this night-fail not : I shall expect you.”

Plunket lowered his voice on perceiving, while he was speaking, the waiter appear, whom