"At length, at length," he muttered.

"Oh, how many years have I waited for you?
Nay, be silent, for I do not know how long my strength will last, but listen--kneel down and listen." So they knelt on either side of him, and in quick, fierce words he told them all--of the drugging, of the fight, of the long parley carried on to give the palmer knave time to climb to the window; of his cowardly blow, and of what chanced afterwards.
Then his strength seemed to fail him, but they poured drink down his throat, and it came back again.
"Take horse swiftly," he gasped, pausing now and again to rest, "and rouse the countryside.

There is still a chance.

Nay, seven hours have gone by; there is no chance.

Their plans were too well laid; by now they will be at sea.