“Never mind the money, girl,” said Sim; “give me the horse-wallet on my back, with a bit of barley bread—and that will do.”
“You must take the money as well. These are cold, hard nights. Promise me you'll lodge at the inns on the road; remember to keep yourself strong, for it's your only chance of finding Ralph—promise me!”
“I give you my word, Rotha.”
“And now promise to say nothing of this to Willy,” said Rotha.
Sim did not reply, but a quick glance expressed more than words of the certainty of secrecy in that regard.
“When you've crossed the Raise, follow on to Kendal,” said Rotha, “and ask everywhere as you go. A fortnight to-day the men return; remember that, and tell Ralph when you meet.”
“I fear he'll give himself up, I do,” said Sim ruefully, and still half doubting his errand.
“That's for him to decide, and he knows best,” answered Rotha. “To-night, after supper, be you at the end of the lonnin, and I'll meet you there.”
Then Sim went out of the house.