Travellers made a wide circuit to avoid it, and it was held to be the place of most evil repute in the forest.
All this story was well understood by Cuthbert, who felt no fear of the spot, only a little natural awe as he recollected the deed that had once been done there.

The moon was going down as he looked about him; the dark hour before morning was about to fall upon the world.

He looked about for a resting place in which to conceal himself till he could commence his search, and found the place he desired in a hollow tree, just beyond the circle of smooth sward that surrounded the well itself.
Plainly this tree had been used before for a like purpose.

The leaves had been carefully raked together within, and were covered by a warm rug, in which Cuthbert was not sorry to wrap himself, for the night air was sharp and chilly though the days were hot.
"Long Robin's rug, or I greatly mistake me," he said with a smile.
"I trow he would be sore amazed were he to come and find me here.
Howbeit he would but take me for a passing wayfarer, since he knows not my face, and I misdoubt me if he come tonight.

He fears too much Joanna's watchful eyes and Miriam's jealous ones.