All followed her example ; but besides the groans of the choked brook in the dingle close behind , and the barking of a fox at a distance of many miles among the forest , to Dick 's acutest hearkening , not a breath was audible . `` But yet , for sure , I heard the clash of harness , '' whispered Alicia . `` Madam , '' returned Dick , who was more afraid of that young lady than of ten stout warriors , `` I would not hint ye were mistaken ; but it might well have come from either of the camps . '' `` It came not thence . It came from westward , '' she declared . `` It may be what it will , '' returned Dick ; `` and it must be as heaven please . Reck we not a jot , but push on the livelier , and put it to the touch . Up , friends -- enough breathed . '' As they advanced , the snow became more and more trampled with hoof-marks , and it was plain that they were drawing near to the encampment of a considerable force of mounted men . Presently they could see the smoke pouring from among the trees , ruddily coloured on its lower edge and scattering bright sparks . And here , pursuant to Dick 's orders , his men began to open out , creeping stealthily in the covert , to surround on every side the camp of their opponents . He himself , placing Alicia in the shelter of a bulky oak , stole straight forth in the direction of the fire . At last , through an opening of the wood , his eye embraced the scene of the encampment . The fire had been built upon a heathy hummock of the ground , surrounded on three sides by thicket , and it now burned very strong , roaring aloud and brandishing flames . Around it there sat not quite a dozen people , warmly cloaked ; but though the neighbouring snow was trampled down as by a regiment , Dick looked in vain for any horse . He began to have a terrible misgiving that he was out-manoeuvred . At the same time , in a tall man with a steel salet , who was spreading his hands before the blaze , he recognised his old friend and still kindly enemy , Bennet Hatch ; and in two others , sitting a little back , he made out , even in their male disguise , Joanna Sedley and Sir Daniel 's wife . `` Well , '' thought he to himself , `` even if I lose my horses , let me get my Joanna , and why should I complain ? '' And then , from the further side of the encampment , there came a little whistle , announcing that his men had joined , and the investment was complete . Bennet , at the sound , started to his feet ; but ere he had time to spring upon his arms , Dick hailed him .
`` Bennet , '' he said -- `` XXXXX , old friend , yield ye .
Alicia Bennet Daniel Joanna Sedley fire hoof-marks hummock misgiving salet