They had proceeded some miles, when a trampling of horses was heard, and a body of armed men rode up.

For a moment Lady Margaret's heart gave a leap, for she thought that she had been rescued by her friends.

There was a loud and angry altercation, a clashing of swords, and a sound of shouting and cries outside the litter.
Then it was placed roughly on the ground, and she heard the sound of the footsteps of her first captors hurrying away.

Then the horsemen closed round the litter, and the leader dismounted.
"I am happy indeed, Lady Margaret," he said approaching the litter, "to have been able to save you from the power of these villains.

Fortunately, word came to me that the outlaws in the forest were about to carry you off, and that they would not hesitate even to desecrate the walls of the convent.