Page:Tudor Jenks--The defense of the castle.djvu/239

Rh progress, for she never halted, and she lost no time by going astray since she had only to follow the course of the river. About eight miles eastward of the castle, Amabel knew that there was a bridge, and she intended to cross the river there.

So slow was her progress that it was three hours before she had gone these eight miles; but when she reached the bridge and was safely upon the further side, she drew a breath of relief, thinking that the most dangerous part of her journey was over. The bridge was not far from a little hamlet in which dwelt a family who were indebted to the Mortimers for many kindnesses, and Amabel meant to remain with them for the rest of the night and then to beg their assistance in continuing her journey.

She knew that there were several dogs running loose in the village, and before approaching it. she cut a stout cudgel for defense. She was in hopes that the animals would know her, since she had often spoken to them in passing; but then she had been on horseback, and it was in daylight, whereas now she was but a night wanderer whom they might suspect of evil designs. Holding her cudgel ready she went noiselessly toward the house of the farming folk she knew, walking more and more slowly as she approached. Despite her