spitality for a few hours longer," said
Stephen. "We should run the risk of having the horse break down
altogether were we to proceed in its present condition."

The old man made no objection, so they put their horses back into the
boat-house, and re-entered the hut. They inquired if his son had
returned on the previous evening.

"Yes," he answered; "and he has now gone out in the boat to catch some
more fish, so we shall have enough to feed you. You must rest on the
ground as you did last night."

As they had scarcely recovered from their fatigue, they were glad enough
to lie down again and get some more sleep. They were aroused for
dinner, which was composed chiefly of fish, and as soon as it was over,
they went out to look at their horses. Andrew led his from the stable,
and walked it up and down; it already appeared better. "I really think
we might push forward; it would be safer than staying here. The chances
are Feversham's cavalry will be scouring the country in all directions
to make prisoners, and before long some of them may be here."

Stephen agreed, and went back to the hut to pay the old man and wish him
good-bye. He was standing at the door of the hut, when Andrew cried
out, "Quick! quick! I see some horsemen in the distance, and they are
coming this way. They may be friends, but they are more likely to be
enemies."

The old man heard what was said, but made no remark. Stephen hurried to
the boat-house, and quickly bridling and saddling his horse, mounted,
without stopping to look behind them.

"Halloo! I thought you were going the other way," the old man shouted
after them.

They waved their hands without replying. On they galloped, and soon
lost sight of the horsemen; but whether the latter were pursuing them
was the question. Andrew's horse went better than they expected. The
country was generally level, though the roads were none of the best.
They had proceeded for a couple of hours or more when Andrew's horse
began to flag; the animal was evidently feeling its lameness; still they
had reached no place where they could hope to obtain the concealment
they sought for. Their wish was to get among the rocky and wooded part
of North Devon, and beyond the district from which any of those who had
joined the rebellion would come; there would then be less chance of
their being sought for. Yet they felt, if it was suspected that they
had been with Monmouth, they would even so run the ris