she picked off the small branches until at length she had
produced a smooth, pliant switch, far more effective than bridle or
stirrup. By the help of this new whip, she made a little better speed,
but well she knew that her capture was only a matter of time unless she
could find her lover.

Great was her joy, therefore, when she turned the next curve in the
road; for, straight ahead, not twenty rods away, she saw Sir Guy
approaching at a canter, leading a second horse.

By this time the twilight was deepening, and the young cavalier gazed in
astonishment upon the ragged girl riding toward him astride, making
silent gestures of welcome and warning. Not until he was within twenty
yards of her did Sir Guy recognize his sweetheart.

"Mary!" he cried.

Together they reined in their horses, and instantly Phoebe slipped to
the ground.

"Quick, Guy--quick!" she exclaimed. "Help me to mount yon saddle.
Come--come!"

Leaping at once from his horse, Sir Guy lifted Phoebe to the back of
the beast he had been leading, which was provided with a side-saddle,
the stirrup of which carried a spur. Stopping only to kiss her hand, he
mounted his own steed, turned about, and followed Phoebe, who had
already set off at her best speed. Even as they started, they heard a
shout behind them, and Phoebe knew that the pursuit had begun in
earnest.

"What is it--who are they whom you flee?" asked the young knight, as he
came to Phoebe's side.

"Men seeking thee, Guy--for reward! There is a price on thy head, dear.
For high treason! Oh, may God aid us this night!"

"High treason!" he exclaimed. Then, after a pause, he continued, in a
stern voice:

"How many be they?"

"Two."

Sir Guy laughed in evident relief.

"But two! By my troth, why should we fear them, sweetheart?" he said.
"An I be not a match for four of these scurvy rascals, call me not
knight!"

"Alas--alas!" cried Phoebe, in alarm, as she saw Sir Guy slacken his
pace. "Stay not to fight, Guy. Urge on--urge on! The whole countryside
is awake. How, then, canst thou better thee by fighting two? Nay,
on--on!" and she spurred again, beckoning him after with an imperious
hand.

He yielded to her reasoning, and soon reached her side again.

"We must to London Bridge, Guy," Phoebe said. "Know you a way back
thither?"

"Wherefore to London, sweet?" asked Guy. "Were we not safer far afield?
Why seek the shadow of the Tower?"

"One way is left thee," said she, with intens