tight in the back, somewhat short in the skirt; but neither so
tight nor so short but that it may be preferred to a
winding-sheet, and that is the alternative, Harry."

Hogan replied by roundly cursing the coat and his own
lucklessness. That done - and in no measured terms - he
pronounced himself ready to set out, whereupon Crispin led the
way below once more, and out into a hut that did service as a
stable.

By the light of a lanthorn he saddled one of the two nags that
stood there, and led it into the yard. Opening the door that
abutted on to a field beyond, he bade Hogan mount. He held his
stirrup for him, and cutting short the Irishman's voluble
expressions of gratitude, he gave him "God speed," and urged
him to use all dispatch in setting as great a distance as
possible betwixt himself and Penrith before the dawn.




CHAPTER III

THE LETTER


It was with a countenance sadly dejected that Crispin returned
to his chamber and sate himself wearily upon the bed. With
elbows on his knees and chin in his palms he stared straight
before him, the usual steely brightness of his grey eyes dulled