Page 53 - A Jacobite Exile

"Now, I must mount and ride without further delay. I have to visit all our
friends who met at Lynnwood, and it will take me until tomorrow morning

to see and confer with them."

A few minutes after Mr. Jervoise had ridden off, his son and Charlie also
mounted. A man went with them, with a supply of torches, for, although
Harry knew the road--which was little better than a sheep track--well

enough during the day, his father thought he might find it difficult, if not
impossible, to follow it on a dark night.

They congratulated themselves upon the precaution taken, before they had
gone very far, for there was no moon, the sky was overcast, and a drizzling

rain had begun to come down. They could hardly see their horses' heads,
and had proceeded but a short distance, when it became necessary for their

guide to light a torch. It took them, therefore, over two hours to reach the
mountain farm.

They were expected, otherwise the household would have been asleep. Mr.
Jervoise had, as soon as he determined upon their going there, sent off a

man on horseback, who, riding fast, had arrived before night set in. There
was, therefore, a great turf fire glowing on the hearth when they arrived,
and a hearty welcome awaiting them from the farmer, his wife, and

daughters. Harry had, by his father's advice, brought two changes of clothes
in a valise, but they were so completely soaked to the skin that they decided

they would, after drinking a horn of hot-spiced ale that had been prepared
for them, go at once to bed, where, in spite of the stirring events of the day,
both went off to sleep, as soon as their heads touched the pillows.

The sun was shining brightly, when they woke. The mists had cleared off,

although they still hung round the head of Ingleborough, six miles away,
and on some of the other hilltops. The change of weather had an inspiriting
effect, and they went down to breakfast in a brighter and more hopeful

frame of mind. As soon as the meal was over, Harry started for home.

"I hope it won't be long before I can see you again, Harry," Charlie said, as
he stood by the horse.