'Yes. Because she orders one way, there is something in him that forces him to go contrary.'
'I always thought that men were fools,' said Winefred. 'Now you tell me they are so, and I believe you with all my heart. Women are men's good angels.'
'That you are to-night, Winney.'
He looked at her trudging by his side in the uncertain light, and he thought how much he owed to her. It was she, and she alone, who was leading him out of the toils.
But for her intervention, in another half-hour he would have been in the hands of the officers of the Crown.
The men did not speak, and Winefred comprehended that it was not for her to break the silence.
The train had crossed the brook, and was now mounting the hillside that led to the downs which overhung the sea. The growl of the waves became more audible.
Presently they were on the common, crossing it as a black worm, aiming at one point towards which Winefred led confidently.
'We shall need a light,' she whispered.
'Not on the cliff. We should attract attention.'