As it is, the path will doubtless be clear." So saying, he turned his horse, galloped back to the spot where the tracks separated, and then followed the left-hand route.
As he had hoped, he passed through the wood without incident or interruption, and arrived safely that night at a small town, having seen no signs of his enemies.
The next day he started again early, and rode on until midday, when he halted at a large village, at which was the only inn between the place from which he started and his destination.

He declined the offer of the servant of the inn to take his horse round to the stable, telling the man to hold him outside the door and give him from a sieve a few handfuls of grain.
Then he entered the inn and ate a hearty meal.

As he appeared at the door he saw several men gathered near.

With a single spring he threw himself into the saddle, just as a rush forward was made by those standing round.

The man next to him sprang upon him, and endeavored to drag him from the saddle.