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 CHAPTER XXVII

A FRIEND IN NEED

Although I was certain that we were rushing straight upon inevitable capture, I still had it in my mind to make a strenuous dash to get through the soldiers, and I flogged the horses vigorously, and told my companion to cling hard to her seat, for the cart swayed and bumped and jolted over the rough road in a manner that threatened to send us sprawling into the lane at every second.

"Draw that hood over your face to conceal it as much as possible, and remember if we are caught I shall address you as 'the Princess,'" I said to my companion. "I can't tell you now what I think of your courage."

She did what I asked, and her features were so concealed that, had the troopers known the Princess by sight, they could not have seen it was not she by my side.

The first party numbered under a dozen men, and as we approached they made no effort to stop us, but drew their horses aside and let us pass.

"Are they following us?" I asked anxiously, for that would be the test whether my ruse was to fail or succeed.

The girl glanced back.

"Yes. They've closed in behind and are galloping after us."