She remounted her horse, which had been feeding in the outer enclosure,
and pressed him forward by the light of the moon, which was now rising,
to the spot where she had left Ratcliffe.
"Have you succeeded?" was his first eager question.
"I have obtained promises from him to whom you sent me; but how can he
possibly accomplish them?"
"Thank God!" said Ratcliffe; "doubt not his power to fulfil his
promise."
At this moment a shrill whistle was heard to resound along the heath.
"Hark!" said Ratcliffe, "he calls me--Miss Vere, return home, and leave
unbolted the postern-door of the garden; to that which opens on the
back-stairs I have a private key."
A second whistle was heard, yet more shrill and prolonged than the
first.
"I come, I come," said Ratcliffe; and setting spurs to his horse, rode
over the heath in the direction of the Recluse's hut. Miss Vere returned
to the castle, the mettle of the animal on which she rode, and her own
anxiety of mind, combining to accelerate her journey.
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