'Water! water!' screamed Silent Poll, for once boisterous.

'I shall get her none,' Roland replied. 'It is fitting that she
should go to hell in a blaze.' Nancy seized some slops that stood in
a vessel near by, and throwing them upon the old woman, quenched the
flames. The murderous hag was white with terror; and Roland saw that
for all her cruelty she was a great coward. Her hands were badly
scorched, nor did her face escape a singeing.

'Take me down to my bed, Poll; this villain, I am afraid, has been
the death of me.' Taking her grandmother's arm, this precious wench
led her tenderly to the cavern's mouth and down the ladder.

'You have conquered the old woman,' Nancy said; 'and it is well She
is now in dread of you, and will not be likely again, unless her
chance is sure, to attempt your life.'

'Violence, I shall meet with violence,' Roland replied. 'Of that be
sure. But now let us look after this poor wretch.' The Lifter had
lain where he fell without moving a muscle; but upon taking his wrist
our hero found that his pulse beat.

'He is not dead, Nancy; dash water in his face.' The girl did so,
and presently The Lifter opened his eyes.

'Oh, I thought I was dreameen. I warned you; if I didn't she would
have crushed your head. I knew she was contemplateen seme harm. Where
is she now?' Roland related all that had happened; and The Lifter
seemed to be more his friend than ever. After Roland and Nancy had