But I understand the plot is that the Child of Kings is to be carried off to the Prince Joshua's castle at the other end of the lake, six hours' ride away, and there be forced to marry him at once." "Indeed," said Orme, "and when is all this to happen ?" "I don't know, lord.

I know nothing except what my friend told me, which I thought it right to communicate to you instantly.

I asked him the time, however, and he said that he believed the date was fixed for one night after next Sabbath." "Next Sabbath is five days hence, so that this matter does not seem to be very pressing," remarked Oliver with a sigh of relief.

"Are you sure that you can trust your friend, Japhet ?" "No, lord, I am not sure, especially as I have always known him to be a liar.

Still, I thought that I ought to tell you." "Very kind of you, Japhet, but I wish that you had let me have my sleep out first.