As they retired to rest, Erskyne remarked;—“Master Knox has found a good servant in you, James Mitchell. I am glad to have met an honest man with an honest heart, ay and an honest face,” he added. “Good night.”
The next morning they left early and Ian felt that an epoch in his life had closed. He also, not unnaturally thought that, having reached Carlisle in safety and found employment, his adventures were for the time at an end, but instead of that they were only just beginning.
Although Wilfred had obtained his wish, he was obviously restless and unhappy. On several occasions Ian had tried to get at the reason, but the boy was uncommunicative. At last he admitted that it was because he had left something behind at Master Harrington’s near Kirkoswald.
“I think I shall go over and get it,” he said.
“But that would hardly be safe,” Ian objected; “Master Harrington might not let you have it or let you go again.”
“It is not in a house,” said Wilfred; “it is hidden in a tree. I could find it easily in the dark.”
“How did you come to forget it?” asked Ian.
“I did not exactly forget it; but I had to slip away in a hurry and did not dare to go back; besides I thought I might have to return to Kirkoswald in any case and perhaps it was as safe there as anywhere. I knew it would be possible to go and fetch it and I must go now.”
“I cannot but think you are very unwise, Will.”
“But you do not know what it means to me,” said the boy.