"No, we came right on across the heath, but we neither saw nor heard anything of them, and it is quite impossible to say, as yet, that they have come in this direction at all. I don't myself think it at all likely."
"Why not?"
"Because of all neighbourhoods close to London, it is the most high and exposed, while at the same time it is not thickly peopled."
"Well, there may be something in that. We have heard nothing of them in Highgate up to now, so I suppose we may go back again the way we came, and you will do the same."
"Have you been in any of the meadows?"
"No. But it's easy to get over the gate yonder, and take a look all round. The enclosures are not very numerous about here, and they would find it difficult to hide. Hold my horse, George, and I'll get into the meadows and take a look."
When Todd heard these words, he looked upon himself as lost, and could hardly suppress a groan.
The man who had last spoken got over a gate that was at some little distance off, and stood upon an elevated spot of the meadows to look about him.
"There's nothing moving," he said.
"Come along, then," cried another. "Let's get on."