"You're just turned twenty-three and I'm eighteen. After all, we've got plenty of time," said Milly.
"I hope so. But that's no reason why for we should waste it. 'Tis all wasted till I get you."
She put her hand out to him, and he caught it and held it.
"It might be a long sight worse," she said. "'Tis only a matter of patience."
"There's no need for patience, and there lies the cruelty. However, I'll push him hard when he comes home. Tokened I will be to 'e—not in secret, but afore the nation."
"Look!" she said. "Two men riding up over. Go a bit further off, there's a dear."
Rupert looked where she pointed, and then he showed no little astonishment and concern.
"Good Lord!" he exclaimed. "If 'tisn't my Uncle Humphrey Baskerville; and Mark along with him. What the mischief sent them here, of all ways? Can't we hide?"
But no hiding-place offered. Therefore the young people rose and walked boldly forward.
"He's going out to Hen Tor to look at they ruins, I reckon," said Milly. "I met your cousin Mark a bit ago, and he told me his father was rather interested in that old rogues-roost of a place they call Hen Tor House. Why for I can't say; but that's where they be riding, I doubt."