Happily they had hitherto met no one, but there was danger now of
encountering gleaners, and indeed Stead's white horse could be seen
from a distance, and might attract attention to his companions.
"Hallo!" exclaimed the groom, as they halted under shelter of a
pollard willow. "I've heard tell that a white horse is the surest
mark for a bullet in a battle, and if that be Breakneck Hill, as you
call it, your beast may bring the sapient smith down on us. Had we
not best part?"
"Aye," said Steadfast. "I was thinking what was best. Whither were
you going?'
He blurted it out, not knowing to whom to address himself, or how to
frame his speech. The lady hesitated, but her companion named Castle
Carey.
"Then, please your honour," said Stead, impartially addressing both,
"methinks the best course would be, if this--"
"Groom William," suggested that personage.
"Would go down into yonder covert with my little brother here, where
my poor place is, and where my sister can show a safe hiding-place,
in case Master Hopkins suspects me, and follows; but I scarce think
he will.
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