"A word the moment they appeared anywhere out of the forest and we could get into the marshes, and no horsemen, unless they knew the way, could follow." Tyndale assented, and gladly, for by this time he was almost exhausted. In a little while they had crossed the meadow and stood at the mill door. "Who's there?" came the call from an upper window, when Engel had beaten loudly on the door. "Otto, father, and some friends. Be quick, for we are in no small danger." The head was drawn away from the window in an instant, and before long the miller was standing in the open doorway. "Come in!" he exclaimed. "You're welcome since my son brings you here, although I do not know you!" He had a candle in his hand, and he led the way into a kitchen, the forester staying to bar the door; but he was not long away. "Father, this is that Englishman, William Tyndale, you may have heard of, whom Cochlaeus is after, meaning to burn him if he can lay hands on him." "Ha! then thou'rt thrice welcome, Master Tyndale. I'd do aught to frustrate that Deacon of the Church of the Blessed Virgin. I shall never forget the inroad he and his made in our homes." The man's voice trembled, and he brushed his great hand across his eyes. "You want food?" he asked, mastering his emotion. "I'll get it;" and ere long the travellers were eating of the best he had to offer them. "Lie down there, Master Tyndale, and you other men over there. I'll keep watch, and if any come this way I'll awake you in good time, and my son will take you to the marsh." They slept in confidence with that assurance, but scarcely two hours had gone when the miller awoke them noisily. "The horsemen have just come out of the forest, and they are crossing the meadow. Otto, take them away, and bide on the island there. 'Tis safe enough, if you're content to stay there till the danger is past." By this time all were ready. "My wallet!" exclaimed Tyndale anxiously, for even in this stress of pursuit it was too precious to be forgotten. "I have it," Roye answered, and he threw it across his shoulder and stood waiting to be gone. Going out of the mill by a back door, they saw the mere showing plainly in the moonlight. The sedges and reeds almost touched the wall, and Otto Engel hesitated, for he knew the danger. Even for him or his father, who knew the paths in the marsh, it was perilous; but by going cautiously he knew they could pass safely if the others would do exactly as he said. Otherwise it was death, and he told them so. "If the soldiers should see us they could not overtake us, so be calm, and take your time. Look well to your footing, and we shall be safe." He spoke with more confidence than he felt, for it was a long time since he had gone into the heart of the mere. They moved on slowly, the forester telling them what to do from time to time, and they traversed the mere for fully fifty yards in safety, but hearing the sounds of galloping hoofs and jingling steel.