He did so, and saw the nervous, half-frightened look of his hostess.
"You must get up at once," she said, "you and your friend. It is not safe to remain here."
"I had found that out. But won't your husband interfere with us?"
"He is sound asleep, and won't wake for hours. But you had better get up now, and avoid difficulty."
"Wait a minute, till I wake my friend."
But the earl was already awake. He quickly grasped the situation.
"Are you not exposing yourself to danger on our account?" he asked, earnestly, of the woman.
"No, I shall know how to manage, but go now. It is morning, and the sooner you get away the better."
"Can we get into the barn, and take our horse?"
"Yes, there will be no difficulty. Make as little noise as possible coming downstairs. My husband might awake."