And there his eye was caught by a spot of ruddy brightness no bigger than a needle 's eye . He blamed himself sharply for his previous neglect . Were that , as it appeared to be , the shining of Sir Daniel 's camp-fire , he should long ago have seen and marched for it ; above all , he should , for no consideration , have announced his neighbourhood by lighting a fire of his own . But now he must no longer squander valuable hours . The direct way to the uplands was about two miles in length ; but it was crossed by a very deep , precipitous dingle , impassable to mounted men ; and for the sake of speed , it seemed to Dick advisable to desert the horses and attempt the adventure on foot . Ten men were left to guard the horses ; signals were agreed upon by which they could communicate in case of need ; and Dick set forth at the head of the remainder , Alicia Risingham walking stoutly by his side . The men had freed themselves of heavy armour , and left behind their lances ; and they now marched with a very good spirit in the frozen snow , and under the exhilarating lustre of the moon . The descent into the dingle , where a stream strained sobbing through the snow and ice , was effected with silence and order ; and on the further side , being then within a short half mile of where Dick had seen the glimmer of the fire , the party halted to breathe before the attack . In the vast silence of the wood , the lightest sounds were audible from far ; and Alicia , who was keen of hearing , held up her finger warningly and stooped to listen . 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 XXXXX .
Alicia Dick Reck Risingham choked dingle fire hearkening hours left