the road, cap in hand, gasping for breath, and gazing
after them like a man in a trance. Once, when they had gone a step or
two, Jeannette glanced round with tears in her eyes, and a look that
seemed not all reproach. But her mother drew her forward, and she
turned; after which, for long enough, I saw her face no more.

That moment, as I stood there, was a crisis with me. My old life seemed
suddenly to have drifted from me. One after another the bonds that held
me to it had snapped and sundered. The pleasant 'prentice days were
over. My master was in gaol, my occupation was gone, the Company from
which I hoped promotion were out against me--London was no place for me
now. Even my mistress frowned on me, and my sweet Jeannette, who was
wont to believe in me through thick and thin, had turned away.

Was it a wonder, then, if my mind turned with a swing to the only friend
that was left me, or if I vowed with myself that, if Sir Ludar would
have me, I would follow him wherever he should lead?

My spirits rose--such is the buoyancy of youth--even as I turned and
walked towards Richmond. Ten days ago I had not been my own master to
follow him when he bade me. To-day, save my Queen, no man but he had a
claim on me--ay, and what use had her Majesty for a villain like me who
had assaulted a beadle!

It was late at night when I came near Richmond. I durst not show myself
in the village, but hid that night in a hut near the river, wondering
how I should apprise Ludar of my presence; and ever and anon, in my
weakness, asking myself how it would fare with me were I to find that he
too had deserted me?

All the next day I wandered about, hoping for news, but getting none.
One man whom I accosted looked so hard at me when I questioned him about
the Hall, that I gave him no time to answer, but slunk away to avoid
him. At night, my patience came well-nigh to an end, and I resolved,
come what would of it, to go to the park, if by chance I might meet
Ludar there or at least send him a message.

It was dark when I climbed the palings. There was little chance, unless
I marched boldly to the door of the Hall, of seeing him that night, so I
resolved to bide my time, and lying somewhere within view of the house,
watch till he came out in the morning. I found a thick clump of bushes
separated from the house by the width of a lawn. Behind these I
ensconced myself, and composed my limbs as best I might to await
daybreak.

I