As Ruthven watched the mysterious fire, the clatter of horses approaching from the west struck his ear. He receded into the portal, and drew his sword. In a few moments several horsemen, riding in disorder, broke dimly on his view as they ascended the height. Up they came: they urged their panting steeds over the rubbish of the wall, and drew rein in the courtyard. They were five in number, all wearing warlike harness, and seemed to have fled from an unsuccessful fight. Four dismounted, but the remaining one kept his saddle, and gazed back to the distant blaze, which was now sinking.
"Woe worth this nicht, that has seen mair ruin wrought than can be repaired in a lang life time!" ejaculated this rider, wringing his hands. "That cruel spoiler! that bluid-thirsty riever! Curses on him that wad fire an auld man's house aboon his head!"
Ruthven recognised the voice as that of Lauder of Ballinshaw.
"A stranger here! a lurking enemy!" exclaimed one of the party, spying Ruthven in the doorway; but instantly Ruthven called out that he was no enemy but a friend to Ballinshaw.
"By St. Bryde! this is the brave lad that defended our Edie when he fell!" cried the man, "Of a surety he is a friend."
Ruthven, assured of safety, stepped out of the portal, and sheathing his brand, hastened to the old Laird's side, inquiring what had befallen; but the question had to be thrice repeated ere Lauder seemed to hear and comprehend it, and then he started, and peering down into Ruthven's face, exclaimed--"Wha is this?"
"The stranger who defended our Edie," said the retainer who had previously spoken.
"Indeed!" said Ballinshaw, in a vague way, and again directing his eye towards the fading fire. "See yonder what's befaun. Bluidshed and murder! Ruth and ruin! A' is lost--the airn kist fu' o' merks in the secret closet ahint the spence--the candlesticks and the plate that my great-grandsire brought frae the Low Countries--a' plundered--a' gane. But how cam' you here, lad?"
"Night overtook me on my way, and I sought shelter here, where scant shelter there is," replied Ruthven.
"We seek refuge, too," said the retainer; "but if Altoncroft be in pursuit o' us--"
"Altoncroft!" cried Ruthven. "Is he the ravager?"