"Ay, we know where she is hidden, and we must go to her without a minute's delay. I must make haste, for if news were to reach her at Goodlands, then should I lose my hundred pounds." With this Peter hurried on, while I fled back to the inn with the speed of the wind. In less time than it takes me to tell, I had paid my count, and had saddled Black Ben, and without saying a word to mine host, I rode to Goodlands as fast as my horse could carry me. When I reached there all was dark. Not one sound could I hear, no one could I see. I hammered again and again at the door, but no man answered, until, as I remembered how rapidly the time was flying, I was wellnigh in a frenzy. "Come, farmer, come!" I cried; "it's a matter of life and death!" But still I got no answer, save that I thought I heard a low, mocking laugh. I knew not what to do, for it was full two hours before I had arranged to meet Constance. Neither did I mean to go into the house at all. She had told me that her horse should be waiting at the door saddled, and that we could ride away together. But no horse was there, neither was there, as I have said, any sign of life; and when I remembered that the constables might be there at any moment, I was in danger of losing my senses. Thus I did what under any other circumstances might have placed my life in great danger, for I called to her aloud by name, and if watchers had been near they would have known that she was there. "Constance, my love!" I cried, "it is Roland!" and then, quick as a flash of light, I felt that she was coming towards me. "Roland, is it you?" "Ay, it is. Quick! Quick!" "Why, what is the matter?" "The constables have discovered your hiding-place--they are even on the way now. Where is your horse?" "In the stable. It will take me ten minutes to saddle him." It was the farmer who spoke. "Then saddle him," I cried. "As for you, Constance, will you make yourself ready for the journey?" "Ay, I have been ready for a full hour," she said, and I noticed that she wore close-fitting garments, but in the dimness of the light I could not see her as plainly as I desired. At that moment I heard the sound of horses' hoofs. Evidently they had wasted not a moment in coming hither. "It is they!" I cried. "Hark! they be coming towards us!" My love spoke not a word; but she came close to me as if to gain strength from my strength. "We dare not wait for your horse to be brought," I said. "Tell me what to do, and I will do it," she whispered. "Do not be afraid for me, Roland." With one leap I was on Black Ben's back, and a second later she sat before me. "Who goes there?" I did not speak, but touched Black Ben's side with my spur. The brave horse leaped forward, and then stopped as if held by a strong hand. "'Tis she, 'tis she! Help! help!"