"Oh, we would hardly suffer the fellows to rob us without making some
argument over it," said the first speaker. "Indeed, I think we are the
better off hereabouts for a brace of footpads gone to their account. I
made them my duties as we came away. Will, here, was pricked a trifle,
but you see we have done very well."

The face of Will Law hardly offered complete proof of this assertion. He
had slept ill enough, and in the morning light his face showed gaunt and
pale. Here, then, was a situation most inopportune; the coach of two
ladies, unattended, stopped by two strangers, who certainly could not
claim introduction by either friend or reputation.

"I did but wish to ask some advice of the roads hereabout," said the
elder brother, turning his eyes full upon those of the Lady Catharine.
"As you see, we are in ill plight to get forward to the city. If you
will be so good as to tell me which way to take, I shall remember it
most gratefully. Once in the city, we should do better, for the rascals
have not taken certain papers, letters which I bear to gentlemen in the
city--Sir Arthur Pembroke I may name as one--a friend of my father's,
who hath had some dealings with him in the handling of moneys. I have
also word for others, and make sure that, once we have got into town, we
shall soon mend our fortune."

Lady Catharine looked at Mary Connynge and the latter in turn gazed at
her. "There could be no harm," said each to the other with her eyes.
"Surely it is our duty to take them in with us; at least the one who is
wounded."

Will Law had said nothing, though he had come forward to the road, and,