It was already dusk, and by the time I got back to my master's door and unlocked it, night had fallen.

I durst not look back as I entered, and indeed made a great noise as of fastening bolts and bars within.

Then I stood and waited in a fever.
Had I been wrong after all?
An hour passed and never a footfall on the pavement.

Then the watch marched by, and as their slow tramp died away in the distance the door quietly opened and there stood Ludar, very pale, but as cool and unconcerned as the day I first met him near Oxford.
"Are you alone ?" said he.
"Yes." "Is there any food in the house ?" I flew to get him some, while he slowly took off his faded carter's cloak, and flung himself wearily on a chair.
He kept me waiting while he ate, nor had I the words to question him.
But when his hunger was appeased, he said: "Six days I have waited and thought you lost.

Yet I knew I should find you at last, and I did." "You escaped ?" I asked, the words coming slowly and charily.
"Yes, Humphrey, my friend.