The horses whinnied no more, though he waited a few moments hoping to
hear them. "I will on," he cried impatiently. "'Twas from this
direction the answer came." And away he hurried on foot, for he
imagined that those he sought were hidden near at hand, and waiting for
the night to come ere they resumed their journey. He knew that he alone
could not capture them, but if he could get on their trail and dog them
unseen till he could get help he would be sure of them.
As soon as the spy was out of sight Humphrey began to descend the tree.
"Whither goest thou?" asked Hugo.
"Thou shalt see," returned Humphrey.
With speed he ran down the hill, breaking a switch of birch as he ran.
He hastened to Walter Skinner's horse, cut him loose from his tether,
and struck him sharply with the birch rod. Away galloped the horse down
the valley, while Humphrey hastened back to his place in the tree.
"Fortune may be with him," he said to Hugo, "but his horse is not.
Mayhap I need not another dream, for, by the one I had, I think we have
got the better of him. Moreover, there will be no more whinnying for
our horses to answer.
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