Then he took
Joanna's friend upon his saddlebow, and once more pushed toward the
forest.
"Why do ye take me?" said the girl. "Ye but delay your speed."
"Nay, Mistress Risingham," replied Dick. "Shoreby is full of blood
and drunkenness and riot. Here ye are safe; content ye."
"I will not be beholden to any of your faction," she cried; "set me
down."
"Madam, ye know not what ye say," returned Dick. "Y' are hurt" -
"I am not," she said. "It was my horse was slain."
"It matters not one jot," replied Richard. "Ye are here in the
midst of open snow, and compassed about with enemies. Whether ye
will or not, I carry you with me. Glad am I to have the occasion;
for thus shall I repay some portion of our debt."
For a little while she was silent. Then, very suddenly, she asked:
"My uncle?"
"My Lord Risingham?" returned Dick. "I would I had good news to
give you, madam; but I have none. I saw him once in the battle,
and once only. Let us hope the best."
CHAPTER V--NIGHT IN THE WOODS: ALICIA RISINGHAM
It was almost certain that Sir Daniel had made for the Moat House;
but, considering the heavy snow, the lateness of the hour, and the
necessity under which he would lie of avoiding the few roads and
striking across the wood, it was equally certain that he could not
hope to reach it ere the morrow.
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