Chapter 25 FIFTH.

A merry place, 'tis said, in times of yore,

But something ails it now-the place is cursed.

WORDSWORTH.

The place on which the skirmish had occurred, and the deliverance of the Lady Eveline had been effected, was a wild and singular spot, being a small level plain, forming a sort of stage, or resting-place, between two very rough paths, one