"
A rapid ride of some twenty minutes brought them to the edge of the
lake, and they proceeded along the verdant path leading to the
forester's hut. On arriving at the dwelling, it appeared wholly deserted,
but they nevertheless dismounted, and tying their horses to the trees at
the back of the cottage, entered it. While they were examining the
lower room, the plash of oars reached their ears, and rushing to the
window, they descried the skiff rapidly approaching the shore. A man
was seated within it, whose attire, though sombre, seemed to proclaim
him of some rank, but as his back was towards them, they could not
discern his features. In another instant the skiff touched the strand,
and the rower leaping ashore, proved to be Sir Thomas Wyat. On
making this discovery they both ran out to him, and the warmest
greetings passed between them. When these were over, Surrey
expressed his surprise to Wyat at seeing him there, declaring he was
wholly unaware of his return from the court of France.
"I came back about a month ago," said Wyat. "His majesty supposes
me at Allington; nor shall I return to court without a summons."
"I am not sorry to hear it," said Surrey; "but what are you doing here?"
"My errand is a strange and adventurous one," replied Wyat.
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