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Rh and the others are led by the rider of the first."

"Well," said Tregenna, noticing the alarm in her tone. "And what think you that portends?"

"Why, 'tis that Ann has saddled them and is leading them forth, for what purpose, unless it be to attack us on our way to Hurst, I cannot imagine. I would now we had kept the straight, short road, and risked passing the searchers. Now I fear they may come up with us, since they will be mounted, and will lie in wait."

The suggestion was not a pleasant one. But Tregenna was at first rather incredulous.

"Surely," said he, "she would not have let us go forth unmolested, if she had meant ill by us! And they would not touch your father's daughter, villains though they be. You and he are both too well known, and too much respected even by the wrong-doers."

"Nay, sir, I fear you exaggerate our powers and our position. These men do truly show us some respect, in return for my father's labors among them. But the least thing will