COMFORTABLE CAPTIVITY The tightening of that sinewy grip on Mallalieu's wrist so startled him that it was only by a great effort that he restrained himself from crying out and from breaking into one of his fits of trembling. This sudden arrest was all the more disturbing to his mental composure because, for the moment, he could not see to whom the hand belonged. But as he twisted round he became aware of a tall, thin shape at his elbow; the next instant a whisper stole to his ear. "H'sh! Be careful!--there's men down there on the path!--they're very like after you," said the voice. "Wait here a minute!" "Who are you?" demanded Mallalieu hoarsely. He was endeavouring to free his wrist, but the steel-like fingers clung. "Let go my hand!" he said. "D'ye hear?--let it go!" "Wait!" said the voice. "It's for your own good. It's me--Miss Pett. I saw you--against that patch of light between the trees there--I knew your big figure. You've got away, of course. Well, you'll not get much further if you don't trust to me. Wait till we hear which way them fellows go." Mallalieu resigned himself. As his eyes grew more accustomed to the gloom of the wood, he made out that Miss Pett was standing just within an opening in the trees; presently, as the voices beneath them became fainter, she drew him into it. "This way!" she whispered. "Come close behind me--the house is close by." "No!" protested Mallalieu angrily. "None of your houses! Here, I want to be on the moors. What do you want--to keep your tongue still?" Miss Pett paused and edged her thin figure close to Mallalieu's bulky one. "It'll not be a question of my tongue if you once go out o' this wood," she said. "They'll search those moors first thing. Don't be a fool!--it'll be known all over the town by now! Come with me and I'll put you where all the police in the county can't find you. But of course, do as you like--only, I'm warning you. You haven't a cat's chance if you set foot on that moor. Lord bless you, man!--don't they know that there's only two places you could make for--Norcaster and Hexendale? Is there any way to either of 'em except across the moors? Come on, now--be sensible." "Go on, then!" growled Mallalieu. Wholly suspicious by nature, he was wondering why this she-dragon, as he had so often called her, should be at all desirous of sheltering him. Already he suspected her of some design, some trick--and in the darkness he clapped his hand on the hip-pocket in which he had placed his revolver. That was safe enough--and again he thanked his stars that the police had not searched him. But however well he might be armed, he was for the time being in Miss Pett's power--he knew very well that if he tried to slip away Miss Pett had only to utter one shrill cry to attract attention. And so, much as he desired the freedom of the moors, he allowed himself to be taken captive by this gaoler who promised eventual liberty.