There I would leave her, and go across the country to meet the yeomen on the road they had taken.

I could join them before they reached Rutland, and my absence during the earlier portion of the march would not be remarked, or if noticed it could easily be explained.
This plan was agreed upon, and after the guards had passed out at Dove-cote Gate and were well down toward Rowsley, I rode out from the Hall, and waited for Dorothy at an appointed spot near Overhaddon.
Immediately after my departure Dolcy was saddled, and soon Dorothy rode furiously up to me.

Away we sped, Dorothy and I, by Yulegrave church, down into the dale, and up the river.

Never shall I forget that mad ride.

Heavy rains had recently fallen, and the road in places was almost impassable.
The rivers were in flood, but when Dorothy and I reached the ford, the girl did not stop to consider the danger ahead of her.