As daylight dawned the snow ceased to fall, and when Robbie had reached Askham the late sun had risen.  He was now beginning to feel the need of food, and stepping into a cottage he asked an old daleswoman who lived there if he might trouble her in the way of trade to make him some breakfast.  The good soul took compassion on the young man’s weary face, and said he was welcome to such as she had.  When Robbie had eaten a bowl of porridge and milk, the fatigue of his journey quite overcame him.  Even while answering his humble hostess’s questions in broken sentences he fell asleep in his chair.  Out of pity the old woman allowed him to sleep on.  “The lad’s fair done out,” she said, glancing at his haggard face.  It was later than noon when he awoke.

Alas! what then was lost forever!  What was gone beyond recall!

Starting up in annoyance at the waste of time, he set off afresh, and, calling at the inn as he passed by, he learned to his great vexation that if he had come on there when, at sunrise, he went into the cottage a hundred yards away, he must have been within easy reach of Sim and Ralph.  The coach, nevertheless, had not yet got to this stage, and that fact partially reconciled Robbie to the delay.

He had little doubt which path to take when he reached the angle of the roads at the corner of the churchyard.  If Ralph had taken the road leading to Gaskarth he might be safe, but if he had taken the road leading to Carlisle he must be in danger.  Therefore Robbie determined to follow the latter.

He made no further inquiries until he had walked through the market town of Penrith, and had come out on the turnpike to the north of it.  Then he asked the passers-by who seemed to come some distance if they had encountered two such men as he was in search of.  In this way he learned many particulars of the toilsome journey that was being made by his friends.  Sim’s strength had failed him, and Ralph had wished to leave him at a lodging on the road while he himself pushed forward to Carlisle.  But Sim had prayed to be taken on, and eventually a countryman going to the Carlisle market, and with space for one only on his cart, had offered to give Sim a lift.  Of this tender the friends had thankfully availed themselves.

It was only too clear from every detail which Robbie gleaned that Ralph was straining every muscle to reach Carlisle.  What terrible destiny could it be that was thus compelling him to fly, perhaps to his death!

Mile after mile Robbie plodded along the weary road.  He was ill, though he had scarcely realized that fact.  He took many a rest.

Daylight faded, and once more the night came on, but still the brave young dalesman held to his purpose.  The snow had become crisp and easier to the foot, but the way was long and the wayfarer was sick at heart.

Morning came at last, and when the mists had risen above the meadows, Robbie saw before him, nigh at hand, the ancient city of Carlisle.  A presentiment that he came too late took the joy out of the long-expected sight.