"We shall avoid Hailing and seek the ferry a mile or so above," replied the younger of his companions. "The ferry is little used; indeed I do not know how there comes to be one at all, for the road is unfrequented and I know of no habitation but the little inn where, however, there are always boats for hire—built possibly by the ferryman himself. The tide serves about nine o'clock and with a favorable wind we should be below Rochester by moonrise. No one will be looking for you on the Medway, Captain, and before morning you will be safely past Sheerness and, I hope, on board the Petite Vierge, while the spies of the government are keeping strict watch for you between London Bridge and Gravesend."
"I would give ten years of my life," said Robin moodily, "for one more day in England."
"Your life is not your own to give, Captain de Cliffe," said the third man, who, even in this solitude, kept his wide-brimmed beaver slouched so as completely to conceal his face. "It belongs to King James, and should you be arrested with these documents upon you, hundreds of lives, besides your own, may pay for the mischance."
"I do not need to be reminded of my duty, even by your grace," said Robin proudly.
"I know it well," returned the other pacifically, "and when you return with the king, in triumph—may it be soon—His Majesty will know how to reward you."
"Aye, that he will," muttered Steve, who was close enough to catch some of the conversation, in which he was greatly interested. "'Virtue is its own reward' is the motto of the Stuarts!"
"The highest reward King James can offer is to send me back as fast as horse and ship can carry me," cried Robin. "Even now—"
"Even now, Captain," Steve broke in, "you are lucky in getting away alive. Don't forget there is a price upon your head and the law's protection—save the mark!—will be withdrawn in a few hours. After that your life is forfeit wherever the flag of England flies."
"My life! When has it not been forfeit?" returned Robin carelessly. "But your grace can be at ease; I have given my word to carry these letters safely to Paris and I will do so, God sparing me."
"Enough! I should never have thought of doubting you, had not mine own eyes seen you at the masquerade with a certain fair sorceress whose spells are far more dangerous than sword or bullet. Right glad am I that Fate drives you from her before we lose one of our most valued captains in the same snare that has entangled the feet of all heroes, ancient and modern. Let us lose no time, for the love of Heaven; your only safety lies in swift flight!"