I also turned my head and beheld my friend, Sir John, holding a bucket of water for his horse to drink.

I had not seen him since we parted at The Peacock, and I did not show that I recognized him.

I feared to betray our friendship to the villagers.

They, however, did not know Sir John, and I need not have been so cautious.

But Dorothy and Madge were with me, and of course I dared not make any demonstration of acquaintanceship with the enemy of our house.
Dorothy watched John closely, and when he was ready to mount she struck her horse with the whip, and boldly rode to the well.
"May I ask you to give my mare water ?" she said.
"Certainly.