"He must have shown courage enough to Master Jerningham to fetch you off safe—and me, too, when I was o'erthrown at last by their drug."
"Why, of a truth, my uncle came to that place with so many men—every Jack on the estate, and all that could be roused quickly in the village—that Master Jerningham would have done ill to contest. The heart was taken out of him, I think; four of his men were killed, and of the rest, those that had come with me fled when they saw their leader slain."
"Four men killed, troth!" said Ravenshaw, "of whom I shall be asked to give account."
"But you will not be asked," she replied, quickly. "'Twas in self-defence—and in defence of me. But there will be no question made of the affair. Master Jerningham seemed as much to desire that as—as my uncle. He hath his own reasons; he said he and his men would keep silence. So my uncle agreed to say nothing; those drunken beggars and the rascals that betrayed me will hold their tongues for their own sake; and Master Jerningham said he would dispose of the slain."
"But the slain have friends,—that gentleman will surely be inquired after."
"Master Jerningham said he could explain his disappearance, and the other men's. I know not how, but I would warrant he spoke in good faith."
"More false dealing, belike. I'll go and see."
"Nay! whither would you go?" Her face showed alarm.
"Back to that house. I must see how matters stand there. I must seek out the knaves that betrayed you, and learn what hath befallen Master Holyday. Where did they leave him?"
"Alas! I know not where 'twas. They beat him down in the wood, and left him,—tied to a tree, one said; and they robbed him of his clothes. I should not know where to look for the place."