His eyes were still fixed upon the barrels when Kay returned, and a smile hovered round the corners of his lips.

The man seemed to note the glance, and looked sharply at him.
"Thou knowest the meaning of those ?" he said suddenly; and Cuthbert smiled again as he answered readily: "Ay, verily that do I." That was all which then passed.

Kay took up a lantern and led the way.

Cuthbert followed, and soon the door was unbarred and barred again behind them, the wherry was pushed out into deep water, and Cuthbert's strong arms were soon propelling it across the river, Kay steering carefully, and with the air of a man well used to the transit.
He cautioned quietness as they neared the shore, but in the little creek where the boat was pushed up not a living thing was seen.
Another boat somewhat larger in build was already in the creek, and there was a post to which craft could he made fast whilst the owners landed.

Kay dexterously performed this office, and taking Cuthbert by the arm, bid him muffle his face in the collar of his cloak, and walk cautiously and with circumspection.