Ann's plan of the way in which Toyner more than any other man could aid her father was simple enough.

He who was known to be in pursuit of Markham was to take him as a friend through the town at The Mills and start him on the road at the other side.

Markham was little known at The Mills, and no one would be likely to take the companion of the constable to be the criminal for whose arrest he had been making so much agitation; they were to travel at the early hour of dawn when few were stirring.

This plan, with such modifications as his own good sense suggested, Toyner was willing to adopt.
He started earlier in the evening than she had done, having no particular desire for secrecy.

He told his friends that he was going to row to The Mills by night, and those who heard him supposed that he had gained some information concerning Markham that he thought it best to report.