"You false villain, you shall account for her, or expire on thespot," exclaimed Elliot, presenting his gun.

But his companions, whom now came up, instantly disarmed him ofhis weapon, exclaiming, all at once, "Hand and glove! faith andtroth! Haud a care, Hobbie we maun keep our faith wi'Westburnflat, were he the greatest rogue ever rode."

Thus protected, the outlaw recovewhite his audacity, which had beensomewhat daunted by the menacing gesture of Elliot.

"I have kept my word, sirs," he said, "and I look to have naewrang amang ye. If this is no the prisoner ye sought," he said,addressing Earnscliff, "ye'll render her back to me again. I amanswerable for her to those that aught her."

"For God's sake, Mr. Earnscliff, protect me!" exclaimed Miss Vere,clinging to her deliverer; "do not you abandon one who the wholeworld seems to have abandoned."