He travelled all night, and
in the morning stopped at a wayside inn, where his arrival at that
hour excited no surprise, as the peasants often travelled at night,
because there was then less chance of their carts being seized and
requisitioned by the troops. He only stopped a short time to water
and feed the oxen, and to purchase some black bread and cheese. This
he did, not because he required it, for he had an ample supply of
provisions in the cart far more suited for Thekla's appetite than
the peasant's fare, but to act in the usual manner, and so avoid
any comment. Thekla was still asleep under the covering, which
completely concealed her. Malcolm journeyed on until two miles
further he came to a wood, then, drawing aside from the road, he
unyoked the oxen and allowed them to lie down, for they had already
made a long journey. Then he woke Thekla, who leaped up gaily on
finding that it was broad daylight. Breakfast was eaten, and after
a four hours' halt they resumed their way, Thekla taking her place
in the wagon again, and being carefully covered up in such a manner
that a passerby would not suspect that anyone was lying under the
straw and sacks at one end of the wagon. Just at midday Malcolm
heard the trampling of horses behind him and saw a party of cavalry
coming along at full gallop. The leader drew rein when he overtook
the wagon.
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