p with a pleased smile from
the net he was mending. The two men had not seen each other since the
night upon which Landless had been brought to the hut by the
Muggletonian. Twice had Landless laid his plans for a second visit, only
to be circumvented each time by the watchfulness of the overseer.

The smile died from Godwyn's face as he observed his visitor more
closely.

"What is it?" he asked quickly.

Landless came up to him and held out his hand. "I am with you, Robert
Godwyn, heart and soul," he said steadily.

The mender of nets grasped the hand. "I knew you would come," he said,
drawing a long breath. "I have needed you sorely, lad."

"I could not come before."

"I know: Porringer told me you were prevented. I--" He still held
Landless' hand in both his own, and as he spoke his slender fingers
encircled the young man's wrist.

"What is the matter with your pulse?" he demanded. "And your eyes! They
are glazing! Sit down!"

"It is nothing," said Landless, speaking with effort.

"I have been a physician, young man," retorted the other. "Sit down, or
you will fall."

He forced him down upon a settle from which he had himself risen, and
stood looking at him, his hand upon his shoulder. Presently his glance
fell to the shoulder, and he saw upon the white cloth where his hand
pressed it against the flesh, a faint red stain grow and spread.

The face of the mender of nets grew very dark. "So!" he said beneath his
breath.

He limped across the hut and drew from some secret receptacle above the
fireplace a flask, from which he poured a crimson liquid into an earthen
cup; then hobbled back to Landless, sitting with closed eyes and head
bowed upon the table.

"Drink, lad," he said with grave tenderness. "'Tis a cordial of mine own
invention, and in the strength it gave me I fled from Cropredy Bridge
though woefully hacked and spent. Drink!"

He held the cup to the young man's lips. Landless drained it and felt
the blood gush back to his heart and the ringing in his ears to cease.
Presently he raised his head. "Thank you," he said. "I am a man again."

"How is it that you are here?"

Landless smiled grimly. "I imagine it's because Woodson thinks me
effectually laid by the heels. When he goes the rounds at supper time he
will be surprised to find my pallet empty."

"You must be in quarters before then. You must not get into further
trouble."

"Very well," was the indifferent reply.

They were silent f