Bill. (Menacingly as he reaches for a candle-stick.) She said—To once.
(Unwillingly but quickly, Patty goes out centre.)
Bill. (Pointing to the door where the full moon shines in clearly.) Ay, but that ain’t ’id yet.
Beat. (As if struck by a sudden idea.) How did you get free?
Bill. Gnawed the ropes; slipped off in the long grass. Trooper’s pistol missed me. Stayed in a holler oak I knows till they was tired ’untin’.
Beat. Knowing you are loose, they will start at once.
Bill. If they ain’t fools. But most folks be. Risk somethin’ on that. (Beatrice is busy with her dress and cloak. He starts to help her but has to support himself by table.) Don’t go through Whitecross Village. There the soldiers be. Take the footpath by Guiting; the bridge be shaky but ’twill hold.
(Enter Patty, centre.)
Patty. Grizel’s ready’m.
Beat. (Nodding her understanding to Bill—to Patty.) Close up here. Look after Bill. Be ready to let me in when the first cock crows. My stirrup! (Goes out swiftly, followed protestingly by Patty. Bill drags himself to right of door watching, and says after a minute.) She’s up!