Cuthbert started and asked her how that was.

"I will tell thee, brother. I was drawing very nigh this dell, and
I felt as by some instinct that it was close at hand, when I heard
the sound of footsteps coming thence, and I well-nigh ran forth
calling thee by name, for I felt assured it must be thou. But then
some impulse of fear possessed me, and I trembled in every limb,
and instead of running forth to meet him who was coming, I hid
myself within the shadows of a deep hollow tree, scarce daring to
breathe lest I should be discovered. And scarce had I done this
before a tall figure crept out along the path, and halted so close
beside me that I well-nigh screamed aloud in my terror, for I
thought for sure I was discovered. But no: he had not paused for
that, and as he stood scarce three ells from my hiding place I
heard him mutter to himself; and I knew by what thou hadst told me,
and by his tall form and long white beard, that it was Long Robin
who was so near.

"And couldst thou hear what he said?"

"I could hear many words, and fierce ones, too--words that made my
flesh creep, and turned me sick with fear for thee, my brother. He
muttered that he was watched and spied upon. He spoke of other
footfalls than his own in the dell, and cursed Joanna for striving
to outwit him, vowing he would slay her if once he found that she
had dared to set others to watch him. He spoke the name of Trevlyn
once or twice. It was as if he had heard somewhat of thee and of
thine errand to the Gipsy Queen--something he must surely have
heard, else could he not have spoken of the 'Trevlyn spawn,' and
what he would do if one of that 'brood' dared to come betwixt him