On the floor lay scattered a few papers, written in a notable poetic hand, and addressed--as I could not but read--"To one who bade the poet give o'er his singing," or "To the fair moon, handmaiden to the glorious sun," or in such wise.

On a chair was another paper half written, and beside it a pen: "Humphrey," it said, in Jeannette's loved hand--"Humphrey, come over and help--" Here the pen had hastily ceased its work.
This mute appeal, lying thus to greet me, roused the whole man in every pulse of my body.

I seized the dear paper in my hands and kissed it, and then, placing both it and the maiden's scarf in my bosom, I dashed from the room with drawn sword and called my men to horse.
"To horse!" I cried, "and ride as you never rode before, men; for I vow to heaven I will not quit this saddle till I find the foul dog who has robbed me of my dearest jewel." They obeyed quickly and cheerily, for the horror of that night had given them enough and to spare of Castleroe.
A mile through the forest road was a woodman's hut whose master looked out curiously to see us pass.

It seemed to me worth while, being the first man we had met, to question him.

So I ordered a halt.
"You are an O'Neill ?" said I.
"Who told you so ?" growled he in Irish; and I guessed from the look of him that he was the man I wanted.
I signalled to two of my men to dismount and seize him.
"Now," said I, fumbling my pistol, "time presses.