e said, when Jack addressed him as such; "I am
known here and elsewhere as Ned Burdale, at your service."

Jack at last became heartily tired of his companion's society: at the
same time he had to confess to himself that there was nothing
particularly with which he could find fault about the man, except his
sulky silence. With great satisfaction Deane at length caught sight of
the well-remembered patches of woodland scenery by which he knew that he
was once more within the ancient boundaries of Sherwood Forest. He now,
for the first time, told Ned Burdale of his intention of visiting
Harwood Grange.

"My directions were to conduct you to Master Pearson's farm in the
fens," said his companion. "I cannot be answerable for your safety if
you part company from me."

"I have no desire to do so," said Jack; "but if you will accompany me to
the Grange, as soon as I have delivered my message to Mr Harwood, I
shall be ready to set forward to the place you speak of."

"Remember, then, it's at your own risk," said his companion. "I have my
reasons for not wishing to go there myself, but I will wait for you at a
farm which we shall reach in a couple of hours, and from thence you can
ride over to the Grange. I would advise you to go there in the evening,
to avoid being seen by the people in the neighbourhood. We can send a
messenger on before to the Squire, that he may be on the watch for you.
Take my advice: don't allow a bright eye and a rosy cheek to detain you
there longer than is necessary."

Jack, being unable to suggest any better arrangement, was compelled to
be contented with his companion's proposal.

Putting spurs to their horses, they galloped on through the forest. Now
they had to pass several miles of cleared country; then again they came
to more forest-land. Now they passed over a wild piece of heath; then
through dingle and dale, and thick copses, and along the banks of a
stream, avoiding the high-road as much as possible, and making their way
wherever they could across the country. At length they entered a
thicker part of the forest than any they had hitherto passed through.

"We shall soon be at the farm," observed Burdale. "We will take a day's
rest then for the sake of our steeds; for though at a push they would
have gone twice as far without knocking up, it's as well to give them a
holiday where it can be done."

At length a grey-stone tower, with a building attached to it, round
which ran a b