When John Love called at Johnson’s cottage to fetch Robert Purcas, the two walked about a hundred yards on the way to Bentley without either speaking a word. Then Robert suddenly stopped. “Look you, Love! what would you with me? I cannot go far from Thorpe to-night. I was sent with a message to Johnson, and I have not found a chance to deliver it yet.”
“Must it be to-night? and what chance look you for?”
“Ay, it must!” answered Robert earnestly. “What I look for is yon black snake coming out of his hole, and then slip I in and deliver my message.”
Love nodded. He knew well enough who the black snake was. “Then maybe you came with the like word I did. Was it to warn Johnson to ’scape ere the Bailiff should be on him?”
“Ay, it was. And you?”
“I came to the same end, but not alone for Johnson. Robin, thou hadst best see to thyself. Dost know thou art on the black list.”
“I’ve looked for that, this many a day. But so art thou, Love; and thou hast a wife to care for, and I’ve none.”
“I’m in danger anyway, Rob, but there’s a chance for thee. Think of thy old father, and haste thee, lad.”
Robert shook his head. “I promised to warn Johnson,” he said; “and I gave my word for it to one that I love right dearly. I’ll not break my word. No, Love; I tarry here till I’ve seen him. The Lord must have a care of my old father if they take me.”
Love found it impossible to move Robert from his resolution. He bade him good-night and turned away.