CHAPTER SEVEN.
HOW I FOUND TROUBLE ON MY RETURN.
It surprised me to find how desolate I felt as I set out alone on the last stage of my journey.

For when I started from London not two weeks ago I was blithe enough, and well content with my own company.

But since Ludar came across my path, I was conscious that there was some man better and nobler in the world than Humphrey Dexter; and to be left now to my own sweet society seemed a poor exchange for the companionship I had had the last few days.
My first thought was to find my way to Master Udal's at Kingston, so as to be near my friend and my enemy both at Richmond.

But when I remembered I had lost the minister's horse and failed to carry out his errand, it seemed to me wiser not to go near him at present, but push on to my master's house and make a clean breast of all to him.
The dawn was breaking as I got clear of the park and found the road to Brentford Ferry.

I cared not much if Sir William's men came after me, nor was the prospect before me at my journey's end enough to urge me forward with much eagerness.