But he was no simpleton, and the same thought which had inspired the Pursuivant's generosity had occurred to him also; he determined, therefore, on his line of action.
Approaching the tree to which one of the men-at-arms was bound, he raised his axe, and, with one blow, severed the rope.
"Now loose thy fellows," he cried, as he bounded into the forest.
The liberated man was long ere he freed his companions; by that time the woodman with the purse in his pocket was deep in the recesses of the forest.
The night was falling, yet a long march lay before the three men ere the lights of Lewes would gladden their eyes.
Yet, hungry, thirsty, and weary, they reached the county town that night, nor did the Pursuivant seek rest till the first step in his revenge was taken, and he had lodged his report with the authorities in the castle.
CHAPTER IV
THAMES PIRATES
It was an hour after sunset, and a rich red glow still lingered in the western horizon, tinging the waters of the Thames as they swirled past the water-gate of Surrey House with gleams of scarlet and gold.
A young man stood on the brink of the river idly watching the ebb and flow of the tide.