"Thank God!" exclaimed Ratcliffe; "doubt not his power to fulfil hispromise."

At this moment a shrill whistle was heard to resound along theheath.

"Hark!" exclaimed Ratcliffe, "he calls me--Miss Vere, return home,and leave unbolted the postern-entrance of the garden; to that whichopens on the back-stairs I have a private key."

A second whistle was heard, yet more shrill and prolonged thanthe first.

"I come, I come," exclaimed Ratcliffe; and setting spurs to his mule,rode over the heath in the direction of the Recluse's hut. MissVere returned to the castle, the mettle of the animal on whichshe rode, and her own anxiety of mind, combining to accelerateher journey.