CHAPTER NINE.
HOW I CAUGHT THE MISERICORDE.
So restless and anxious was I as the day passed that I hastened back to my hiding-place in the wood early in the afternoon, determined rather to lie there than run the risk of being seen in the village.

It was well I did so, for I had not been there half-an-hour when I heard Ludar's heavy tramp crashing through the underwood.
He threw himself beside me, haggard and dejected.
"How is she to know of this ?" said he.
"Tell her," I answered.
He smiled scornfully.
"Had you ever seen the maiden," said he, "you would know that it is no light task.

She has me at arm's length.

If I tell her of her peril and offer my protection she will perhaps say she needs not my protection, or that, if I like not the peril, I need not face it.

Or she may suspect me of serving myself while I denounce my enemy.