CHAPTER XXIX.
REAPING LEADS TO REVELLING [Illustration: 236.jpg The Signal] Although I was under interdict for two months from my darling--"one for your sake, one for mine," she had whispered, with her head withdrawn, yet not so very far from me--lighter heart was not on Exmoor than I bore for half the time, and even for three quarters.

For she was safe; I knew that daily by a mode of signals well-contrived between us now, on the strength of our experience.

"I have nothing now to fear, John," she had said to me, as we parted; "it is true that I am spied and watched, but Gwenny is too keen for them.

While I have my grandfather to prevent all violence; and little Gwenny to keep watch on those who try to watch me; and you, above all others, John, ready at a moment, if the worst comes to the worst--this neglected Lorna Doone was never in such case before.
Therefore do not squeeze my hand, John; I am safe without it, and you do not know your strength." Ah, I knew my strength right well.

Hill and valley scarcely seemed to be step and landing for me; fiercest cattle I would play with, making them go backward, and afraid of hurting them, like John Fry with his terrier; even rooted trees seemed to me but as sticks I could smite down, except for my love of everything.