44 A JACOBITE EXILE

They were expected, otherwise the household would have
been asleep. Mr. Jervoise had, as soon as he determined
upon their going there, sent off a man on horseback, who,
riding fast, had arrived before night set in. ‘There was,
therefore, a great turf fire glowing on the hearth when they
arrived, and a hearty welcome awaiting them from the
farmer, his wife, and daughters. Harry had, by his
father’s advice, brought two changes of clothes in a valise,
but they were so completely soaked to the skin that they
decided they would, after drinking a horn of hot-spiced
ale that had been prepared for them, go at once to bed,
where, in spite of the stirring events of the day, both went
off to sleep as soon as their heads touched the pillows.

The sun was shining brightly when they woke; the mists
had cleared off, although they still hung round the head of
Ingleborough, six miles away, and on some of the other
hill-tops. The change of weather had an inspiriting effect,
and they went down to breakfast in a brighter and more
hopeful frame of mind. As soon as the meal was over
Harry started for home.

“T hope it won’t be long before I can see you again,
Harry,” Charlie said as he stood by the horse.

“T hope not, indeed; but there is no saying. My father’s
orders are that Iam to stay at home if people come and
take possession, and send a man off to you with the news
privately, but that if no one comes I may myself bring you
over any news there is; so I may be back here this after-
noon.”

“J shall be looking out for you, Harry. Remember,
it will be horribly dull for me up here, wondering and
fretting as to what is going on.”

“T know, Charlie; and you shall hear as soon as I get the
smallest scrap of news. If I were you I would go for a
good walk among the hills, it will be much better for you
than moping here. At any rate you are not likely to get
any news for some hours to come.”