“We must get away,” cried Henry. “Come on,” and he set off at a faster pace than ever.
CHAPTER XI
ABOARD THE FIRE-BOAT
The edge of the woods was gained when a shot rang out, but whether directed at Henry or the sharpshooter neither could tell.
“They will be after us hot-footed in another minute,” said the young soldier. “How shall we turn?”
“It will be folly to turn to the river just yet,” answered Silvers. “They will be sure to hunt for us there. Let us hide in the opposite direction until the alarm is over.”
As the pair passed into the wood they saw a man coming along a well-beaten path. He carried a bundle under one arm and two bottles under the other. As he came closer they recognized the soldier who had taken the gold piece. He had brought food and some wine from a chateau not far away, where he was well known. He started to yell, but Silvers stopped him.
“Silence!” he cried. “Silence, if you value your life.”
But the peasant was too frightened to listen, and yelling loudly he dropped his bundle and bottles and ran for the soldiers’ camp as swiftly as his slim legs would carry him.
“This may come useful,” said Henry, as he picked up the bundle, which was done up in a bit of white cloth.