Her eyes had fallen on the stately form of Holden, who sat on a bench
near to the fire.

"O, father Holden!" exclaimed the lovely girl, running up to him,
throwing her arms round his neck, and kissing his forehead, "is it
you? How glad I am you escaped from those abominable men. Tell me all
about it. How was it? Did they do you any harm?"

At this moment, Pownal entered, and advancing, grasped the old man's
hand, and congratulated him on his escape.

"My God," said Holden, in his wild way, "hath sent His angel and shut
the lions' mouths that they have not hurt me. He raiseth the poor out
of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the mire."

"But," urged Anne, with feminine curiosity, "we are anxious to hear
how you escaped."

The Recluse did not seem to consider it necessary to make any
secret--at least to those present--of the events of the past night,
and, with the frankness that characterized him, spoke of them without
hesitation.

After stating what we already know, he said he was led away rapidly by
a man dressed in a sailor's suit, whose face he did not see, and who
accompanied him until they had passed the last house on the street.
They met no one, and, on parting, the man forced a purse into his
hand, and entreated him to make his way to the cabin of Esther, where
he would be safe and welcome, and there to remain until his friends
should be apprised of his retreat.