ound on the fellow to kick him for his
clumsiness, when he looked me suddenly in the face and uttered my name.

It was Ludar.

It was my turn now to reel like a drunken man; and so mighty a knock did
my heart give against my ribs that I believe I should have fallen had he
not roughly caught my arm and muttered--

"Not a word, but lead on." And he staggered away, smacking his whip and
calling to his horse to go forward.

I walked on in a dream, knowing by the crack of the whip behind that he
followed at a distance, yet never daring to turn my head. At last, as
we came near Smithfield, I looked back. He lay on the top of a load of
hay in his cart, singing aloud noisily and cracking his whip, and
seeming no more concerned in me or any one else than the patient horse
he drove.

The market place was full of carts, amidst which he was presently able
to leave his own and come near where I stood with a crowd looking at
some bulls just brought in. He had left his whip behind, by which I
guessed he had done with his cart and was free to follow me on foot. So
presently I edged out and wandered slowly back citywards. It was
already dusk, and by the time I got back to my master's door and
unlocked it, night had fallen. I durst not look back as I entered, and
indeed made a great noise as of fastening bolts and bars within. Then I
stood and waited in a fever.

Had I been wrong after all? An hour passed and never a footfall on the
pavement. Then the watch marched by, and as their slow tramp died away
in the distance the door quietly opened and there stood Ludar, very
pale, but as cool and unconcerned as the day I first met him near
Oxford.

"Are you alone?" said he.

"Yes."

"Is there any food in the house?"

I flew to get him some, while he slowly took off his faded carter's
cloak, and flung himself wearily on a chair.

He kept me waiting while he ate, nor had I the words to question him.
But when his hunger was appeased, he said:

"Six days I have waited and thought you lost. Yet I knew I should find
you at last, and I did."

"You escaped?" I asked, the words coming slowly and charily.

"Yes, Humphrey, my friend. After six months, with great labour, and by
the help of a nail, I filed my wrist chain and freed my hands. Then
when my warder came one evening later than usual, I flew on him and
felled him. He was but stunned, and lay still scarce long enough for me
to strip him and put him in my clothes.