But afterwards! The inn seemed wrapped in slumber just then. The
landlord would be back in his bed. Joe and Moll might have left--gone
off in another direction, disappointed at not finding the fugitives or
any news of them at the Traveller's Delight on their arrival; or
possibly they were resting, with the intention of making a thorough
search through the premises in the daylight next morning. This was the
more probable explanation of how matters actually stood; at the same
time, Bambo had no sense of security that it was the correct one. At
that very moment their enemies might be prowling from barn to byre, from
cart-shed to stable in pursuit of their prey. They would undoubtedly
explore the stackyard. Next, they would notice the furze bushes. They
would poke and peer among them and about them. Failing to find what they
sought, they would be sure to look this way and that, up and down, until
their eyes lighted upon the lime-kiln. Then--

Here the dwarf drew a quick breath, set his teeth hard, and again asked
himself what was to be done next.

The children were worn out. Joan sobbed from time to time in her sleep,
and brave, strong-souled little Darby shivered with cold and fright,
while he pressed closer and closer to the dwarf's side for warmth and
protection. As for Bambo himself, he was feeling extremely ill. The
fever that raged in his blood cracked his lips and parched his tongue,
until it felt in his mouth like so much dry sponge. His breathing had
become so laboured from the sharp, shooting pains in his chest and back
that it was only with difficulty he could speak; while his hot hands
shook, and his thin, stunted limbs trembled beneath the weight of his
big, ungainly body. He wondered what would happen if he were not able to
go any further! What would become of the boy and little missy if he were
to die there in the kiln before morning? Alas! there could be but one
answer to that question, with Moll Harris and Thieving Joe hovering
around like hawks about a nest of doves. But no; God was not going to
deliver them up to the destroyers in any such fashion. After having
brought them thus far on their way in safety, He would surely see them
over the rest of the road; and Bambo took heart again. They would rest
where they were until dawn; then one more effort would surely bring them
to some farm or decent cottage. He would tell the children's story, and
perhaps a cart or other conveyance could be found to take them