He is doubtless some trusty retainer sent with the lad by her ladyship
because he hath wit to hide and double on his track and so baffle
pursuit. But he hath not yet reached port to set sail for France, and
mayhap he will not. It remaineth now for us to hide and creep among the
rushes and reeds and scrubby trees, and so come up with him unseen."
The men-at-arms listened respectfully, and the party separating
themselves so that each man rode alone at a little distance from his
fellows, they took the same general direction, and so advanced slowly
and carefully, taking advantage of every bit of cover in their way, and
often pausing to listen. They had proceeded in this manner some two
hours when Richard Wood saw the three scrub trees, and, waving the
signal to his men, the advance was made with renewed caution. At last
all were near enough to see the couch of rushes and the ashes of the
fire, but they saw nothing of serving-man or boy, who by this time had
reached Lincoln. Silently, at a signal from Richard Wood, the party
drew together. "Ye see," said he, pointing to the place, "that they be
not here.
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