Only go, do go, good John; kind, dear, darling John; if you love me, go.' 'How can I go without settling anything ?' I asked very sensibly.

'How shall I know of your danger now?
Hit upon something; you are so quick.
Anything you can think of; and then I will go, and not frighten you.' 'I have been thinking long of something,' Lorna answered rapidly, with that peculiar clearness of voice which made every syllable ring like music of a several note, 'you see that tree with the seven rooks' nests bright against the cliffs there?
Can you count them, from above, do you think?
From a place where you will be safe, dear'-- 'No doubt, I can; or if I cannot, it will not take me long to find a spot, whence I can do it.' 'Gwenny can climb like any cat.

She has been up there in the summer, watching the young birds, day by day, and daring the boys to touch them.
There are neither birds, nor eggs there now, of course, and nothing doing.

If you see but six rooks' nests; I am in peril and want you.

If you see but five, I am carried off by Carver.' 'Good God!' said I, at the mere idea; in a tone which frightened Lorna.
'Fear not, John,' she whispered sadly, and my blood grew cold at it: 'I have means to stop him; or at least to save myself.