“But watch your opportunity, and when you feel it to be perfectly safe, communicate with Robert Munson.
“I understand, dear Sybil, and I shall be very prudent and very vigilant,” answered Mr. Berners.
And then they retired to rest.
Very early the next morning they were aroused by their keeper who never left his post at their door until he saw them come out of their room. And then he drew Mrs. Berner’s arm within his own and led her down to breakfast.
After breakfast they resumed their journey.
This first day and night on the road was a type of all that followed. The bailiff Purley never lost sight of his charge except at night, and then he first assured himself that her room was a secure prison, from which it would be impossible for her to escape; and then, to make assurance doubly sure, he always locked the door on the outside, put the key into his pocket, and stretched himself on a mattress across the threshold.
There was no opportunity afforded to Sybil, Lyon and their new friend to speak together in private; and as day followed day and night succeeded night in this hopeless manner, their spirits fell from despondency even to despair.
But as it is said to be darkest just before dawn, and that when things are at their worst they are sure to mend, so it proved in their case.
On the evening of the fourth day of their tedious journey, they stopped to sup and sleep at a lonely farm-house, where for “a consideration,” the poor farmer consented, whenever he got the chance, to entertain travellers.
Here their wagon and horses were comfortably stabled, and themselves were lodged and feasted.