course through the night in that dangerous neighborhood,
where every step which he took might be watched, or be compelled to stop
at some more insulated position, in which there must be far less safety.
He concluded, therefore, to set off at early dawn on the ensuing
morning, and calculated, with the advantage of daylight all the way,
through brisk riding, to put himself by evening beyond the reach of his
enemies. That he was not altogether permitted to pursue this course, was
certainly not through any neglect of preparatory arrangement.

The public table at the inn on that day was thinly attended; and the
repast was partaken by all parties in comparative silence. A few words
were addressed by Colleton to Lucy Munro, but they were answered, not
coldly, but sparingly, and her replies were entirely wanting in their
usual spirit. Still, her looks signified for him the deepest interest,
and a significant motion of the finger, which might have been held to
convey a warning, was all that he noted of that earnest manner which had
gratified his self-esteem in her habit heretofore. The day was got
through with difficulty by all parties; and as evening approached,
Forrester, having effected all his arrangements without provoking
observation, in the quiet and privacy of the youth's chamber, bade him
farewell, cautioning him at the same time against all voluntary risk,
and reminding him of the necessity, while in that neighborhood, of
keeping a good lookout. Their courses lay not so far asunder but that
they might, for a time, have proceeded together, and with more mutual
advantage; but the suggestions and solicitations of Forrester on this
subject were alike disregarded by Ralph, with what reason we may not
positively say, but it is possible that it arose from a prudential
reference to the fact that the association of one flying from justice
was not exactly such as the innocent should desire. And this was reason
enough.

They separated; and the youth proceeded to the preparation for his own
contemplated departure. His pistols were in readiness, with his dirk, on
the small table by the side of his bed; his portmanteau lay alike
contiguous; and before seeking his couch, which he did at an early hour,
he himself had seen that his good steed had been well provided with corn
and fodder. The sable groom, too, whose attentions to the noble animal
from the first, stimulated by an occasional bit of silver, had been
unremitted, was now fu