“Fear nothing; we shall have them safe enough if we proceed with caution,” rejoined the sheriff. “I will presently give instructions concerning them to Master Piddinghoe, the headborough.”
“Leave the matter to me, I pray you, Sir Richard,” said Brand. “I can manage it without the headborough’s aid.”
“You desire to obtain the whole reward, eh, Captain Brand?” observed De Warren. “Well, as you please.”
The whole of this conversation had reached the ears of Derrick Carver, who marched in front of the speakers, and the danger incurred by Osbert and his friends caused him great uneasiness. Fain would he have warned them of their peril by look or gesture, but no opportunity of doing so occurred.
Meantime, the procession moved on, and, pursuing a different course on its return, entered the town by the Water-gate, and then ascending the steep and narrow thoroughfare called Saint Mary’s Lane, came forth into the High Street, exactly opposite the Star Inn. To his great satisfaction, Captain Brand remarked that Osbert Clinton and his companions had likewise passed through the Water-gate.
CHAPTER V.
HOW CAPTAIN BRAND SOUGHT TO CAPTURE THE