They clattered off into the darkness.
"Was that wise?" whispered Barbara when they had left the village behind them. "Will they not seek us in Wells?"
The captain smiled sagely.
"Truth is often expedient, Mistress Barbara, because no one believes it. Captain Jonas is one if those crafty fools who if they would ride secretly to Wells say loudly: 'I ride to Taunton,' and follow the road a mile or so before they double back, chuckling at their wisdom. I trust him to judge me by himself."
"Is not horse-stealing a capital offence?" queried Ralph cheerfully.
Captain Protheroe laughed.
"I' faith, I have committed so many capital offences during the last three days, that one more or less is of small moment. Prison-breaking, petty larceny, assault and robbery, and horse-stealing; 'tis a lively record."
"We are well out of the last danger," sighed Barbara.
"By Heavens! Yes. I thought not to get off so easily. My only plan was to make the fellow drunk, or to lead Mistress Barbara to feign illness when 'twas time to set out, and so we remain behind. But the stars are on our side, we have not only routed the enemy, but got off with their supplies and transport, into the bargain. We should be at Wells by nine o'clock."
"And what then? How shall we enter? Will not the gates be shut?"