He broke the bread and on the crumb that was least hard he placed the meat and laid it on her knee.
"Eat this now!" he ordered.
"Thou hast given me all the meat," she answered. "And we must share alike."
Then Rupert caught her with his arm about her shoulders, and laid the bread in her hand.
"Eat it!" he said roughly. "Thou must have the best. I'm older and stronger than thou—and I promised I'd care for thee—and I will now, indeed I will! Thou needst not fear, for all we may not find help at King's Slynton. I'll bring thee safe unto thy friends, and I—I'll not be rough with thee again. Now wilt thou not eat? I pray thee, Tibbott!"
And this time Merrylips took the food and ate.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE DARKEST DAY
In the dull light of the dripping morning Rupert and Merrylips sat up and looked at each other. The packet that had held their food gaped emptily at their feet, and the flask lay forlornly on its side.
"What shall we do? And whither shall we go now, Rupert?" Merrylips asked.