"You Lewes men ought to be able to recognize some of these ruffians—do you know their leader?"
"Yes, I know him," replied one of his men; "I have often seen him in Lewes—'tis Mr. William Jefferay."
"Are you sure?" said the Pursuivant, rejoiced at the news.
"Yes," replied the man, "I know him by his grey cap!"
"Good," said the officer; "you shall hang for this, Mr. William Jefferay, as surely as there is a sun in the heavens."
The day was wearing on, the sun rose high in the sky, and the bound men began to feel the pangs of thirst—yet no man passed that way to bring them release.
They had many times shouted loudly for help—but there was none to make reply.
Evening had come, and the wretched men began to fear that a night in the woods would be their fate—perhaps death itself from hunger and thirst! But Providence willed it otherwise.
To their joy a woodman, returning from his daily toil, came slowly down the track.
He started in amazement as he heard the cries of the prisoners, and came to the spot where they were bound.