a stolid shrug of his shoulders, nor did he vouchsafe another word
for the rest of the way before they came through the valley, and
through the low brushwood on the bank, and were in sight of the
search party, who set up a joyful halloo of welcome on perceiving
her.

A young man, the best mounted and armed, evidently an esquire, rode
forward, exclaiming, 'Well met, fair Lady Anne! Great have been the
Mother Prioress's fears for you, and she has called up half the
country side, lest you should be fallen into the hands of Robin of
Redesdale, or some other Lancastrian rogue.'

'Much she heeded me in comparison with hawk and heron!' responded
Anne. 'Thanks for your heed, Master Bertram.'

'I must part from thee and thy sturdy pony. Thanks for the use of
it,' added she, as the squire proceeded to take her from the pony.
He would have lifted her down, but she only touched his hand lightly
and sprang to the ground, then stood patting its neck. 'Thanks
again, good pony. I am much beholden to thee, Gaffer Hob! Stay a
moment.'

'Nay, lady, it would be well to mount you behind Archie. His beast
is best to carry a lady.'

Archie was an elderly man, stout but active, attached to the service
of the convent. He had leapt down, and was putting on a belt, and
arranging a pad for the damsel, observing, 'Ill hap we lost you,
damsel! I saw you not fall.'