bridle, and Ambrose helped the burgess into the saddle. "Now, good
boys," he said, "each of you lay a hand on my pommel. We can make
good speed ere the rascals find out our scant numbers."

"You would make better speed without us, sir," said Stephen,
hankering to remain beside poor Spring.

"D'ye think Giles Headley the man to leave two children, that have
maybe saved my life as well as my purse, to bear the malice of the
robbers?" demanded the burgess angrily. "That were like those
fellows of mine who have shown their heels and left their master
strapped to a tree! Thou! thou! what's thy name, that hast the most
wit, bring thy brother, unless thou wouldst have him laid by the
side of his dog."

Stephen was forced to comply, and run by Poppet's side, though his
eyes were so full of tears that he could not see his way, even when
the pace slackened, and in the twilight they found themselves among
houses and gardens, and thus in safety, the lights of an inn shining
not far off.

A figure came out in the road to meet them, crying, "Master! master!
is it you? and without scathe? Oh, the saints be praised!"

"Ay, Tibble, 'tis I and no other, thanks to the saints and to these
brave lads! What, man, I blame thee not, I know thou canst not
strike; but where be the rest?"

"In the inn, sir. I strove to call up the hue and cry to come to
the rescue, but the cowardly hinds were afraid of the thieves, and