Another look at his map and he believed that on the
following afternoon he could reach Hertford.
He took the remaining food from his saddlebags, wrapped it in his blanket,
and strapped the pack on his back. Then, in order to lighten his burden,
he hung the saddlebags on the bough of a tree and abandoned them, after
which he pressed forward through the woods with renewed speed.
He came at times to the edge of the forest and saw houses in the fields,
but he always turned back among the trees. He could find only enemies
here, and he knew that it was his plan to avoid all human beings.
Precept and example are of great power and he recalled again much that
he had heard of his famous ancestor, Paul Cotter. He had been compelled
to fight often for his life and again to flee for it from an enemy who
reserved torture and death for the captured. Dick felt that he must do
as well, and the feeling increased his vigor and courage.
A little later he heard a note, low, faint and musical. It was behind
him, but he was sure at first that it was made by negroes singing.
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