`` 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 -- `` Bennet , old friend , yield ye . Ye will but spill men 's lives in vain , if ye resist . '' '' 'T is Master Shelton , by St. Barbary ! ''
cried XXXXX .
Bennet Dick Hatch Reck Sedley Shelton hoof-marks hummock misgiving salet