"
"That it needeth not; if thou canst direct us to the lower entrance it
will be sufficient."
"That can I, Master Ingram," replied Southwold, "and to where the best
ale used to be found."
"Enough, Southwold, enough; our work must be done, and diligently.
Now, my men, tighten your girths; we will just ride to the dell: if it
conceals not whom we seek, it shall conceal us till night, and then
the country shall be lighted up with the flames of Arnwood, while we
surround the house and prevent escape. Levelers, to horse!"
The troopers sprung upon their saddles, and went off at a hard trot,
Southwold leading the way. Jacob remained among the fern until they
were out of sight, and then rose up. He looked for a short time in the
direction in which the troopers had gone, stooped down again to take
up his gun, and then said, "There's providence in this; yes, and
there's providence in my not having my dog with me, for he would not
have remained quiet for so long a time. Who would ever have thought
that James Southwold would have turned a traitor! more than traitor,
for he is now ready to bite the hand that has fed him, to burn the
house that has ever welcomed him. This is a bad world, and I thank
Heaven that I have lived in the woods.
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