We must see how she gets on, and if she cannot manage I must take her before me, whenever we see that the road is clear for a good distance ahead.

Of course, it does not matter about country people, but if we see a body of troops coming in the distance, she must mount her own horse again, and follow us at a walk.

If we find that things don't go well, we must halt in a wood somewhere, and ride only by night." They cantered on now, and overtook the others just as they reached the farmhouse.

The farmer was at his door, and looked a little surprised at seeing two of the officers of the Palace come up.

He salaamed deeply.
"We have not come to requisition anything," Dick said, with a smile, as he saw that the farmer looked alarmed as well as surprised.