The maid, as her mistress, looked a little puzzled. But quickly comprehending, all three set to collecting such _lingerie_ as they could lay hands on, soon making up a bundle big enough to represent a week's consignment for the laundry. Which the pretended washerwoman having hoisted on her head, started downstairs with it; Gwenthian, by direction, going along to see her out of doors, assist her in cajoling the sentries, and bring back report whether these had been safely passed. CHAPTER FIFTY NINE. BROUGHT HOME A PRISONER. After the cadgeress had gone out of the room the anxiety of the sisters was, for a while, of the keenest. The first flush of excitement over, they saw danger in what they had done. Should their messenger be stopped outside, and the note found upon her, there was that in it which could not fail to compromise them. Moreover its contents had reference to an important matter, a design that would be all defeated. Luckily they had not long to endure suspense. A light tread on the stairs told of Gwenthian returning; and as she appeared in the doorway, kept open for her, the joyous expression on her face betokened a successful issue to the affair she had been sent upon. "Win's got safe away?" was her triumphant announcement, as she tripped lightly into the room. "Good!" exclaimed both, Sabrina going on to inquire particulars. "Did they let her pass without any questioning?" "No, indeed, mistress. The sentries at the back gate--there are two at it--stopped her; and one pulled the bundle off her head. They were going to open and examine it, when Captain Trevor came up, and ordered them to put it back again. Then he passed her through the gate, saying something--like in a friendly way." "Did you hear what he said?" "Only to the soldiers; telling them to let the washerwoman alone. But Win gave them a bit of her tongue too, as if she was real angry?" "You saw her well away?" "Yes, mistress; beyond where there were any of the people. She took the path to the falconer's lodge, where she's to leave the things." "Why leave them there?" "Because she don't intend returning to her own cottage. That, she said, would delay her; besides, some of the soldiers might be straying along the Ruardean road, and stop her again. She's gone the way through the woods." The ladies felt relieved. Win would manage it if woman could; and should she succeed in reaching Gloucester, they might ere long look for other relief from the dangers that environed them.