"You have got the maid, Trevanion," he gasped, "but I shall not die. Some time we shall fight again," and with that he fell into a swoon.
"We are followed!"
It was the maid Nancy who spoke, and instantly I heard the sound of horses.
"Mount!" I cried quickly, and then I saw that the serving-maid had not alighted from her horse. Whistling to Chestnut that he might come to me, I turned to help Mistress Nancy to get on her horse; but she would have nought to do with me. Instead she led her steed to a high stone, and without my aid sat in her saddle. I jumped on Chestnut's back, therefore, and galloped southward, with the two women close to me.
Both of them rode well. The maid Nancy sat her horse gracefully, as every well-born woman should, while Amelia Lanteglos rode carelessly and easily, as is common among country wenches who make a practice of riding horses barebacked. For a couple of miles neither spoke; we rode hard as was natural, but at the end of that time I drew my rein for a moment. I was anxious to listen whether we were followed. The women, however, rode forward.
"Stop!" I said.
"For why?" It was Mistress Nancy who spoke.
"I wish to listen whether the Killigrews are riding behind us, or whether they have stopped with Benet."
Upon this they obeyed my behest, I thought unwillingly. I listened for a few moments, but no sound reached me.
"They must be staying awhile with Benet," I said aloud.