The cross-roads lay before them where was the turning to Derby.
"There lies the Prince," said Alastair, his head over his left shoulder. "My duty is to ride forthwith thither. I could breakfast in the camp."
Johnson, though lacking a riding-coat, had grown warm with the exercise, and both he and his mount were blowing.
"You would not falter in your most honourable resolve?" he puffed.
Alastair clapped spurs to his beast. "No," he said, "I am resolved before all things to find Sir John Norreys. But when I find him I will kill him."
He heard a gasp which was more than Mr Johnson's chronic shortness of breath. As he cantered forward the slower and heavier beast of his companion was forced alongside of him, and a hand clutched his arm.
"I beseech you, sir," said a tragic voice, "I pray you, in God's name, to turn aside to Derby."
"I will first meet Sir John," was the reply and the hand was shaken off.
"But he will be safe at your hands?"
"That is as God may direct," said Alastair.