encampment of a considerable force of mounted men. Presently they

could see the smoke pouring from among the trees, ruddily coloured

on its lower edge and scattering bright sparks.

And here, pursuant to Dick's orders, his men began to open out,

creeping stealthily in the covert, to surround on every side the

camp of their opponents. He himself, placing Alicia in the shelter

of a bulky oak, stole straight forth in the direction of the fire.

At last, through an opening of the wood, his eye embraced the scene

of the encampment. The fire had been built upon a heathy hummock

of the ground, surrounded on three sides by thicket, and it now

burned very strong, roaring aloud and brandishing flames. Around

it there sat not quite a dozen people, warmly cloaked; but though

the neighbouring snow was trampled down as by a regiment, Dick

looked in vain for any horse. He began to have a terrible

misgiving that he was out-manoeuvred. At the same time, in a tall

man with a steel salet, who was spreading his hands before the

blaze, he recognised his old friend and still kindly enemy, Bennet

Hatch; and in two others, sitting a little back, he made out, even

in their male disguise, Joanna Sedley and Sir Daniel's wife.

"Well," thought he to himself, "even if I lose my horses, let me

get my Joanna, and why should I complain?"

And then, from the further side of the encampment, there came a

little whistle, announcing that his men had joined, and the

investment was complete.

Bennet, at the sound, started to his feet; but ere he had time to

spring upon his arms, Dick hailed him.

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