|He had got more than half way thither, when he thought he descried them
in the distance, but as night was now coming on, he did not feel quite
sure. In another minute, however, all doubts were removed. The persons
he beheld were Lord Derwentwater and his betrothed.
Presently, the parties met, and Lord Widdrington exclaimed:
“I am greatly rejoiced to see both of you safe and sound, for we began
to fear that something must have happened.”
“Something very extraordinary _has_ happened,” rejoined Lord
Derwentwater.
“Your lordship will scarcely credit me when I tell you that I have been
lost in a cavern underneath Dunstan-borough Castle,” said Anna.
“Lost in a cavern!” exclaimed Lord Widdrington in astonishment. “How
came that to pass?”
“You shall hear,” she replied. “I was left by myself for a short time
near the castle--Lord Derwentwater having ridden off to bring me another
horse, my own having got injured by a fall--when I thought I would take
a peep at the ruins which were close at hand. Foolishly acting upon the
impulse, I flew thither--meaning to get back in a few minutes--and never
stopped till I got into the court. After gazing at Queen Margaret's
Tower and Lilburne's Tower, I looked round the walls, when my eye fell
upon a cavity at a little distance from me. Within the hollow was a
flight of steps, leading, as I fancied, to some vault or dungeon, and
prompted by curiosity, I hastily descended them. The steps brought me to
an arched passage, and still under the influence of curiosity I ventured
on, and soon found that other passages branched off on the right
and left. Into one of these I turned and advanced a few yards, and
inadvertently stepping forward--for I could now see nothing--slipped
down a rapid descent, that landed me in what I knew to be a spacious
cavern. At first, I was not so much alarmed, because I fancied I could
extricate myself from the difficulty. But I could not remount the place
down which I had fallen, and being now greatly frightened, I endeavoured
to find another exit. But the attempt was fruitless. My outstretched
hand only encountered a wall of rock, and I soon became so perplexed and
confused that I could not even find my way back to the spot I had just
quitted.”
“A terrible position to be placed in!” exclaimed Lord Widdrington. “I
wonder you have recovered so soon from the effects of the fright.”
“I thought I should have sunk at the time,” she rejoined. “But
fortunately my spirits supported me. I addressed a prayer to Saint
Anna, and then felt easier. But deliverance did not come so soon as I
expected, and there was an interval of dreadful suspense. You seemed
long--long in coming,” she added to Lord Derwent-water. “Ah! when I
heard your voice, I knew I was saved.”
“And your response gave me new life,” he said; “for hope was almost
extinct within my breast. That cavern was the last place I searched, for
though I had noticed the stone steps, I never thought you would venture
down them.”
“I can guess all the rest,” said Lord Widdrington. “It must have been a
joyful meeting.”
“The adventure was not an agreeable one,” said Anna. “But it has tested
his lordship's affection for me. However, I promise to be more careful
in future.”
“Yes, you have had a pretty good lesson, and will do well to profit by
it,” said Lord Widdrington.
“My unlucky steed is to blame for it all,” she cried. “Had he not
stumbled, nothing would have happened.”
“You have left him at Dunstanborough, I suppose?” observed Lord
Widdrington.
“Yes, in charge of your groom,” she replied. “Your lordship's horse
carries me capitally.”
“Then pray use him as long as you will! And now let us on, and relieve
the anxiety of our friends.”
With this they quickened their pace, and made such good way that dinner
was not quite over when they reached Bamborough.
Great rejoicing was manifested on their appearance, and when Anna's
adventure became known, the feeling rose to excitement. Dorothy could
not contain herself, but springing from her seat, rushed up to her
friend and embraced her.
We need scarcely say that under such unusual circumstances another
health was drunk, in addition to the grand toast, which was never
omitted.
A great deal of claret was generally drunk at Mr. Forster's dinners, as
we have already remarked, and the custom would probably not have been
neglected on the present occasion if the prince had not risen early
from table, and proceeded to the drawing-room, where there was music and
singing.
The prince retired early, and proceeded to his lodgings in the old
fortress, attended by his host, Lord Derwent-water, Lord Widdrington,
and several others. It chanced to be a fine moonlight night, and the
appearance of the massive keep, partly lighted up by the beams, partly
in shadow, was so striking, that his highness remained for some time
contemplating the massive pile.
He then mounted the walls to gaze at the sea, which was brilliantly
illumined--a broad track of light leading across its unruffled surface
to the Fame Islands, and producing a truly magical effect.
Scarcely able to tear himself away from this bewitching scene, the
prince, at last, bade his attendants good night, and sought his chamber
in the tower.
Though no real danger was apprehended, unwonted precautions were taken
for his security. The gates were barred, and watch was kept upon the
walls throughout the night.
Colonel Oxburgh and his companions were prepared to act on any sudden
emergency, and the colonel had arranged his plans with the two nobles,
who had likewise decided upon passing the night in the castle.