But let it never be said that I left my friend and companion to face a danger from which I fled myself." The boy's eyes flashed as he spoke--he looked the very image of a prince; and Paul's heart swelled with loving pride, although he still persisted in his design.
"Listen, Edward," he said, speaking very gravely and resolutely.
"It is needful for our joint safety that we be not seen together, now that we are entering a region of country where we may easily be recognized, and where watch may be kept for us.

Yes, these woods may be watched, although, as you have said, it is probable they will watch even more closely the other routes to the coast.

But we have come slowly, toiling along on foot, and there has been ample time for a mounted messenger to ride back and give the warning to such of the robbers as are yet here.

They know that the twain of us are travelling together.

Wherefore, for the few miles that separate us now from the kindly shelter of the Priory, it will be better that we journey alone.