Janet ran to the thicket, and Oswald and Roger threw themselves down behind a great stone. Two minutes later, they could hear the thunder of hoofs go along the road opposite, but could not make out the figures.
"How many are there of them, do you think, Roger?"
"A dozen or so, master."
"Yes, I should think you are right. However, it makes no difference; were there ten times as many, they would not catch us, tonight."
[Chapter 14]: In Hiding.
The moment the horsemen had gone by, Oswald and Roger hastily dressed again. It was three or four minutes before the girls joined them.
"We have been a long time, Oswald, but our fingers are so cold that we could not tie the strings."
"You will soon be warm. Climbing the hill will set your blood in motion."
There was no hurry now. They were safe until the morning.
"We will make up the hill until you are thoroughly warm, and then we will discuss matters."