There, here are we beneath the clear stars of heaven, and here is my pretty Mayflower waiting patiently for her mistress.
"Yes, pretty one; you must bear a heavier burden tonight, but you will do it gladly for your mistress's sake.
"Mount, good sir; we shall soon be out of reach of all danger." It must be a dream thought Paul, as, mounted on a light palfrey, he went speeding through the dun wood by intricate paths, a fairy-like figure springing through the gloom beside him, and guiding the horse, as he was utterly unable to do.
It seemed as if his strength had deserted him.

His hands had lost their power, and it was all he could do to maintain his seat on the animal that bounded lightly along with her unaccustomed burden.

At last they reached an open glade; a dark, motionless figure was standing in the moonlight.
"It is he--it is my Jack!" cried the fairy, springing forward with a faint cry of welcome.
"O Jack, I have brought your old friend Paul Stukely back to you.
You must take care of him as well as of me, for he has been in deadly peril tonight.".