I could rely on Rorie's heart, but I placed no trust in his discretion.

If he had thus set out without a word, he was plainly bent upon some service to my uncle.

But what service could he hope to render even alone, far less in the company of the man in whom my uncle found his fears incarnated?
Even if I were not already too late to prevent some deadly mischief, it was plain I must delay no longer.

With the thought I was out of the house; and often as I have run on the rough sides of Aros, I never ran as I did that fatal morning.

I do not believe I put twelve minutes to the whole ascent.
My uncle was gone from his perch.