To what dangers might he not have already exposed her by his inconsiderate pursuit! Suppose some eye had seen them on their way, or should meet her now on her return! Suppose her own fears should prove true, and her father had already discovered their absence! His thoughts were loyally occupied with Harry alone; but the peril to himself was considerable.

It was impossible that he could satisfactorily explain his companionship with the inn-keeper's daughter at such a place and hour.

The truth would never be believed, even if it could be related.

She had got home by this time; but had she done so unobserved?
Otherwise, it was more than probable that he should find two Cornish giants waiting, if not "to grind his bones to make their bread," at least to break them with their cudgels.

In their eyes he would seem to have been guilty of a deliberate seduction, the one of his daughter, the other of his destined bride.