It looked dark and solemn beneath the shade of the trees.

Tom drew rein, and looked keenly to right and left, for he knew that The Three Ravens inn could not be far away.
"Who goes there ?" asked a voice which Tom's quick ear recognized instantly; and he cried out in tones of eager welcome: "It is I, Tom Tufton--and you are Captain Jack!" There was a movement of the brushwood, and a horseman stepped out, the horse having given an eager whinny at the sound of Tom's voice.
"It is Wildfire!" cried Tom, bending over to pat the sleek neck of his old favourite.

"Well, good fellow, have you had a luckier career than your old master?
And yet I scarce can say I wish it undone.

I have tasted life; I have had my glorious days.
"Captain Jack, I am come to you for shelter.

There is a price on my head.