It was not worth while to risk life and fortune in attempting the rescue of a fellow who might be a villain and a traitor.
It seemed a heartless thing to do to leave Robin to his fate, but for all that Tom could not make up his mind to turn back and search for him; for he felt it was quite probable he would only fall into a cunningly-devised ambush.

But he could not ride all night through the forest.

He might fetch a circuit all unknowingly, and find himself in the midst of the footpads again.

The moon had now risen, and was giving a faint light.

By its aid Tom was able to examine the nature of the ground about him, and presently saw at a short distance a dark, arched cavity in the face of a mass of gravelly rock which rose up on his left hand.