He started forward, and touching Sweyn's arm, whispered an urgent entreaty. Sweyn stared, and shook his head in angry impatience.
Thereupon Christian would take no morsel of food.
His opportunity came at last. White Fell questioned of the landmarks of the country, and of one Cairn Hill, which was an appointed meeting-place at which she was due that night. The house-mistress and Sweyn both exclaimed.
"It is three long miles away," said Sweyn; "with no place for shelter but a wretched hut. Stay with us this night, and I will show you the way to-morrow."
White Fell seemed to hesitate. "Three miles," she said; "then I should be able to see or hear a signal."
"I will look out," said Sweyn; "then, if there be no signal, you must not leave us."
He went to the door. Christian rose silently, and followed him out.
"Sweyn, do you know what she is?"
Sweyn, surprised at the vehement grasp, and low hoarse voice, made answer:
"She? Who? White Fell?"