If Robbie could overtake Sim before Sim had time to overtake Ralph, he might prevent a terrible catastrophe.

Even so fearless a man as Ralph was would surely hesitate if he knew, though but on hearsay, that perhaps a horrible accusation awaited him at Carlisle.
That accusation might be false--it must be false.

Robbie believed he could swear that it was a lie if he stood before the Throne of Grace.
But of what avail was the innocence of the accused in days when an indictment was equal to a conviction! Sim was an old man, or at least he was past his best.

He was a frail creature, unable to travel fast.

There was little doubt in the mind of the lusty young dalesman as he took his "lang stroke o' the ground" that before many hours had gone by Sim would be overtaken and brought back.
It was Sunday morning when little Liza Branthwaite ferreted Robbie out of the Red Lion, and it was no later than noon of the same day when Robbie began his journey.