John Garnet rode slowly on at a pace that should husband Katerfelto's powers. The sun was already set when he arrived at the clump of trees where he meant to lie in ambush; but he passed it, unwillingly enough, and affected to proceed on his journey; for lonely as seemed the wide expanse of down, its solitude was broken by a motionless figure, to all appearance intently on the watch. His business admitted of no observers. After a moment's hesitation he turned on his track, and rode straight to the figure, as if to ask his way. In the twilight, he made out a tall dark man, who might have been a shepherd but for want of sheep and sheep-dog, and who never moved a limb while he approached. "My friend," said the horseman, "I have forgotten something at the inn I left an hour ago. If you will take a message back you shall have a crown-piece for your pains." The other pointed to the London road. "I can earn a crown-piece without walking three miles for it," said he, "and so can _you_, Master Garnet, if you'll stay where you are." John Garnet fairly started at the sound of his own name. "Who the devil are _you_?" he exclaimed, "and what are you doing here?" "I am here on _your_ business," was the unexpected answer. "You're about a tough job, sir, and you'll do it, never fear, but not single-handed." "I don't know what you mean," replied the other; adding, after a moment's consideration, "did I not see you this afternoon smoking in the taproom of the inn?" "Very like," said the man, composedly. "I've seen _you_ many more times than ever you've seen _me_. Why, now, you look quite astonished that a gentleman can be put down by a plain man! Well, it's no use beating about the bush, I'm here to look after you because Thyra bade me come." "Thyra!" repeated John Garnet, with an air of sudden enlightenment: "what, Waif do you mean? Why you must be Fin Cooper." "That's my name in your patter," said the gipsy; "now I'll tell you my business. Stay, all that will keep: I hear the roll of wheels. In ten minutes the coach we are both looking for will be plodding up the hill. Go in with a will! Do it your own way, there'll be plenty to help when the time comes. Take what you want, and leave us, Romanies, the pickings. There's half a score here that go share and share alike."