If you do not find me here, therefore, to-morrow night, conclude that I
have perished, or am captive."
"Well, be it as you will, Wyat," said Surrey; "but I would gladly
accompany you, and share your danger."
"I know it, and I thank you," returned Wyat, warmly grasping the other's
hand; "but much--nay, all--may remain to be done to-morrow night. You
had better bring some force with you, for we may need it."
"I will bring half a dozen stout archers," replied Surrey-- and if you come
not, depend upon it, I will either release you or avenge you."
"I did not intend to prosecute this adventure further," said Richmond;
"but since you are both resolved to embark in it, I will not desert you."
Soon after this, the friends separated,--Surrey and Richmond taking
horse and returning to the castle, discoursing on the unlooked--for
meeting with Wyat, while the latter again entered the skiff, and rowed
down the lake. As soon as the hut was clear, two persons descended
the steps of a ladder leading to a sort of loft in the roof, and sprang
upon the floor of the hut
"Ho! ho! Ho!" laughed the foremost, whose antlered helm and wild garb
proclaimed him to be Herne; "they little dreamed who were the hearers
of their conference.
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