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As our fugitives approached the valley, they were joined by many

companions in misfortune, who were on the same errand to the

castle with themselves: under similar circumstances of distress

and anguish, intimacies are soon matured, and they listened to

the relation of each other's peril with mutual interest and

sympathy; some had fled, like the curate and our females, without

waiting the arrival of the troops; others had actually seen them,

and could describe, in lively colours, their savage and horrible

appearance.

"We are fortunate, indeed," said Agnes; "let us thank Heaven. We

may lose our property, but at least our lives are safe."