“And then?”

“Then we went forth together, and Martha walked with me awhile.  But as I felt the clear fresh air of the night fanning my cheek, and the dewy sweetness of the grass beneath my feet, I grew strong and full of courage.  I felt certain by what thou hadst told me that I was on the right track.  The moon and the stars shone in the sky and guided my steps.  I sent Martha away, and journeyed on alone.  It was sweet to find myself free, to see the heavens above my head, and to hear the soft night breezes.  In the clear brightness of the night I could see far about me, and I knew that I was alone and had naught to fear.  Thanks to Martha’s good nursing and the food she had contrived for me, I was stronger than I had been for many long days and weeks.  It was happiness to use my limbs, and I was not wearied by my journey.  I entered the forest track at last, and quickly found the path that thou hadst spoken to me of.  I knew then that I was near my journey’s end, and my heart was light within me.”

“Didst thou not fear the dark wood and the many strange sounds of the night?”

“I feared somewhat, but chided myself for that fear.  But it was well I felt it, else might I not have crept along as I did with such mouse-like stillness; and but for that, yon man”—­with a shuddering glance at Long Robin on the ground—­“would surely have found me.”

Cuthbert started and asked her how that was.

“I will tell thee, brother.  I was drawing very nigh this dell, and I felt as by some instinct that it was close at hand, when I heard the sound of footsteps coming thence, and I well-nigh ran forth calling thee by name, for I felt assured it must be thou.  But then some impulse of fear possessed me, and I trembled in every limb, and instead of running forth to meet him who was coming, I hid myself within the shadows of a deep hollow tree, scarce daring to breathe lest I should be discovered.  And scarce had I done this before a tall figure crept out along the path, and halted so close beside me that I well-nigh screamed aloud in my terror, for I thought for sure I was discovered.  But no:  he had not paused for that, and as he stood scarce three ells from my hiding place I heard him mutter to himself; and I knew by what thou hadst told me, and by his tall form and long white beard, that it was Long Robin who was so near.

“And couldst thou hear what he said?”

“I could hear many words, and fierce ones, too—­words that made my flesh creep, and turned me sick with fear for thee, my brother.  He muttered that he was watched and spied upon.  He spoke of other footfalls than his own in the dell, and cursed Joanna for striving to outwit him, vowing he would slay her if once he found that she had dared to set others to watch him.  He spoke the name of Trevlyn once or twice.  It was as if he had heard somewhat of thee and of thine errand to the Gipsy Queen—­something he must surely have heard, else could he not have