"
"'Tis well they did not search, indeed," Oswald said. "Your story about
the horses might do well enough, for those who have no interest in the
matter, but it would never have done for the Bairds. All has been quiet
today?"
"They seem to have given up searching on this side. I hear that they
feel sure, now, the ladies have made for Hiniltie; and they have had
great forces out among the hills, and feel confident that they must
catch them soon."
"Have you got the horses saddled?"
"They are saddled, and brought down close to the road. Fergus is with
them."
"Then bring them across, at once. The sooner we are off now, the
better. Are there any of the Bairds' men in the town?"
"There are a few of them, but as no one has any idea that you are like
to pass through there, they will not be on the lookout. Besides, all
will have been among the hills, from daybreak this morning; and I
expect, by this time, there is scarce a soul awake in Parton."
Oswald returned to the girls, and they went out together to the ford.
In a couple of minutes the men were seen making their way across,
riding two horses, and leading the others.
"We thank you heartily," Janet said, "for having so risked your lives
for us; for, had you been caught with the four horses, they would at
once have connected you with us, and it would have gone hard with you.
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