He felt
sure that Rosamund's quick wits would do much to gain time and give
him a start; and, sure enough, he reached the stable yard where
Lord Claud's horses were kept without a sign or sound of pursuit.
As luck would have it, there was the master himself standing in the
yard talking to his headman.
Tom strode straight up to him with a strange gleam in his eyes, for
he knew not even now whether this man were friend or foe.
"I am come for the mare," he said briefly; "you remember your
promise?"
Lord Claud gave him a swift, keen glance, as though he heard a new
note in Tom's voice.
"I do. I will not fail you," he said very quietly.
Then to the man standing by, "Bring out Nell Gwynne. You have your
instructions. See that nothing is forgotten."
The man vanished into the dark stable. Lord Claud turned to Tom.
"What has befallen?"
"There is a warrant out against me. They would have taken me in
Master Cale's house half an hour back, but for the shrewdness and
quick wit of his daughter. This is no place for me. My head is in
danger. I must forth with all speed; but whither?"
"I should take to the forest, Tom. Captain Jack will welcome you
gladly," said Lord Claud, as calmly as though discussing some
indifferent project.
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