`Tis hazardous, but there is no escape from such a strait as ours without risk.

What say you, wife ?" "Assuredly I can think of nothing better.

But what say you, Thekla?
Are you ready to run the risks, the danger, and the hardships of such a journey under the protection only of this brave Scottish gentleman ?" "I am ready, mother," Thekla said quickly, "but I wish--I wish"-- and she hesitated.
"You wish you could go in your own garments, Thekla, with jewels on your fingers and a white horse to carry you on a pillion behind your protector," the count said with a smile, for his spirits had risen with the hope of his daughter's escape from the peril in which she was placed.

"It cannot be, Thekla.

Malcolm's plan must be carried out to the letter, and I doubt not that you will pass well as a `prentice boy.