"Ay, but I've learned that from thee which makes me doubly set on going. Dost think I could let thee return now to the Lean Man's care?"
"Yes, yes! I tell thee, there's no danger but what I have faced before, and can meet again."
"We were over-happy just now, girl; fate grudges that. Thou shalt not go, I say."
"There! I knew 'twas folly to name thee master. Hark how thou usest the whip at the first chance! Is every wish of mine to be thwarted now, to prove thy sovereignty?"
"Nay, for it's sure. But when I hear thee ask to fight my battles——"
"Whose else should I fight, dear lad?" she broke in, with pretty wilfulness. "See, 'tis the first thing I've asked of thee, and I will not take denial. Ride to Wildwater, thou and thy friends, and ye place Nell in peril, as I told thee. Send word that I am here, and she will be brought safely down to Marsh. Ned, try the plan at least! And if it fails, I'll let thee——"
"But what of Nell meanwhile? Each moment lost——"
"I left her my own dagger, and she has given proof already that she can use it. But there's no fear for her, unless ye drive my folk to bay."
The noise without grew louder, and Wayne moved slowly to the door. How could he let Janet go? Yet how could he place Nell in greater jeopardy than need be? It was a hard knot to unravel, but the dogged self-denial of the past months stood him in good stead now.
"Thou shalt go," he said, and went out into the courtyard, wondering how best to send a message up to Wildwater.