And with a final sigh of deep regret, a defiant toss of the head, Beau Brocade turned Jack o’ Lantern’s head northwards whence the cry had come. There a rough track, scarce perceptible amongst the bracken, led straight up to the forge of John Stich. Horse and rider knew every inch of the way, although for the moment the fitful moon still hid her light behind a bank of clouds, and the mist now enveloped the Moor in a thick mantle of gloom. Soon the sensitive ears of the highwayman, accustomed to every sound, had perceived heavy footsteps on the unbeaten track, and presently a burly figure detached itself from the darkness beyond and came rapidly forward. "Odd’s my life! but it’s friend John!" said Beau Brocade, with a great show of severity. "Zounds! but this is rank insubordination! How dare you follow me on the Heath, you villain, and leave your noble guest unprotected? What?" "His lordship is safe enough, Captain," said the smith, who at sight of the young man had heaved an obvious sigh of relief, "and I could not rest until I’d seen you again." "Faith! you can’t do that in this confounded mist, eh, John?" quoth Bathurst, lightly. But his fresh young voice had softened with a quaint tenderness, whilst he looked down, smiling, at the upturned face of his devoted friend. "Well! what about my friend, the Sergeant and the soldiers, eh?" he added gaily. "Oh! the Sergeant is too sick to speak," rejoined the smith, earnestly, "but the men vow you’re a rebel lord. Those that were fit walked down to Brassington directly after you left: one man, who was wounded in the arm, started for Aldwark: they’ve gone to get help, Captain; either more soldiers, or loafers from the villages who may be tempted by the reward. They’ll scour this Heath for you, from Aldwark to the cross-roads, and from Brassington to Wirksworth, and..." "And so much the better, friend Stich, for while they hunt for me his lordship will be safe." "But have a care, Captain! they’re determined men, now, for you’ve fooled them twice. Be gy! but you’ve never been in so tight a corner before." "Pshaw!" quoth Beau Brocade, lightly, "life is none too precious a boon for me that I should make an effort to save it." "Captain..." murmured Stich, reproachfully. "There, friend John," added the young man, with that same touch of almost womanly tenderness, that had endeared him to the heart of honest Stich, "there! there! have no fear for me! I tell thee, man, they’ll not get me on this Heath! Think you the furze and bracken, the heron or peewit would betray me? Me, their friend! Not they! I am safe enough!" he continued, while a strange ring of excitement made his young voice quiver. "Let them after me, and leave _her_ brother in peace! And then, John! when he is safe ... perhaps I may see her smile once more! ... Heigh-ho! A fool am I, friend! A fool, I tell thee! fit for the gallows-tree outside thy forge!"