"He'll none go for safety, father," answered Robbie; and turning to
Liza, he added, "But what was it you said about Mother Garth?"

"The old witch-wife said that Ralph was wanted for murder," replied
the girl.

"It's a lie," said Robbie vehemently.

"I'll uphod thee there," said Mattha; "but whatever's to be done?"

"Why, Robbie must go and fetch Sim back," said Liza eagerly.

"The lass is right," said Robbie; "I'll be off." And the young man
swung on his heel as though about to carry out his purpose on the
instant.

"Stop, stop," said Mattha; "I reckon the laal tailor's got farther ner
the next cause'y post. You must come and tak a bite of dinner and set
away with summat in yer pocket."

"Hang the pocket! I must be off," said Robbie. But the old man took
him too firmly by the arm to allow of his escape without deliberate
rudeness. They turned and walked towards the weaver's cottage.

"What a maizelt fool I've been to spend my days and nights in this
hole!" said Robbie, tipping his finger over his shoulder towards the
Red Lion, from which they were walking.

"I've oft telt thee so," said Mattha, not fearing the character of a