No, the horses must be given up,
for the present. The only thing that I can see is to cross the Esk, and
to take refuge in the hills. I know not if there are any fords, or
where they are; but, were we to turn to the right, we should be getting
farther and farther away. The Esk is no great width, and we can carry
them across it, easily enough."
"The water will be dreadfully cold," Jessie said, with a shiver, for it
was now the beginning of April.
"Hush, Jessie!" her sister said. "What matters a little cold, when our
lives are at stake?"
"No, that is our only hope," Oswald said. "Quick, girls, there is no
time to lose."
The river was but some fifty yards from the road, and they ran down to
it.
"Now, girls," Oswald said when they reached it, "you must take off your
cloaks, and all upper garments. Were you to get these wet you would,
before morning, die of cold. Don't lose a moment. Undress under the
shelter of these bushes.
"Now, Roger, let us move a few yards away, and then take off our
doublets and shirts, and swim across, holding them above the water. By
the time that we are back, the girls will be ready."
"I will carry them across, master. It is of no use two of us going,
with so light a burden.
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