Forrester had determined to commence his journey that very night; while Ralph, with what might seem headstrong rashness, chose the ensuing day for a like purpose.
But the youth was not without his reasons for this determination.

He knew perfectly well that he was in peril, but felt also that this peril would be met with much more difficulty by night than by day.

Deeming himself secure, comparatively speaking, while actually in the village, he felt that it would be safer to remain there another night, than by setting off at mid-day, encounter the unavoidable risk of either pursuing his course through the night in that dangerous neighborhood, where every step which he took might be watched, or be compelled to stop at some more insulated position, in which there must be far less safety.
He concluded, therefore, to set off at early dawn on the ensuing morning, and calculated, with the advantage of daylight all the way, through brisk riding, to put himself by evening beyond the reach of his enemies.

That he was not altogether permitted to pursue this course, was certainly not through any neglect of preparatory arrangement.
The public table at the inn on that day was thinly attended; and the repast was partaken by all parties in comparative silence.

A few words were addressed by Colleton to Lucy Munro, but they were answered, not coldly, but sparingly, and her replies were entirely wanting in their usual spirit.