"Don't disturb yourself," said his follower, motioning him to keep still; "it's all right."
"What time is it?" inquired Jack.
"Past noon," replied Blueskin. "I didn't awake you, because you seemed tired."
"How did you escape?" asked Sheppard, who, as he shook off his slumber, began to recall the events of the previous night.
"Oh, easily enough," rejoined the other. "I suppose I must have been senseless for some time; for, on coming to myself, I found this gash in my head, and the ground covered with blood. However, no one had discovered me, so I contrived to drag myself to my horse. I thought if you were living, and not captured, I should find you here,—and I was right. I kept watch over you, for fear of a surprise on the part of Jonathan. But what's to be done?"
"The first thing I do," replied Jack, "will be to visit my poor mother in Bedlam."
"You'd better take care of your mother's son instead," rejoined Blueskin. "It's runnin' a great risk."
"Risk, or no risk, I shall go," replied Jack. "Jonathan has threatened to do her some mischief. I am resolved to see her, without delay, and ascertain if it's possible to remove her."
"It's a hopeless job," grumbled Blueskin, "and harm will come of it. What are you to do with a mad mother at a time when you need all your wits to take care of yourself?"
"Don't concern yourself further about me," returned Jack. "Once for all, I shall go."