What was he to do?
Every instant was precious to him.

As in a flash it came to him that perchance Sir Crispin also rode to London, and that it was expected of him to arrive there first if he were to be in time.

Swiftly he weighed the odds in his mind, and took the determination to dash past Sir Crispin, risking his aim and trusting to the dark to befriend him.
But even as he determined thus, what moon there was became unveiled, and the light of it fell upon his face, which was turned towards Galliard.
An exclamation of surprise escaped Sir Crispin.
"'Slife, Master Stewart, I knew not your voice.

Whither do you ride ?" "What is it to you?
Have you not wrought enough of evil for me?
Am I never to be rid of you?
Castle Marleigh," he added, with well-feigned anger, "has closed its doors upon me.

What does it signify to you whither I ride?
Suffer me leastways to pass unmolested, and to leave you." Kenneth's passionate reproaches cut Galliard keenly.